Monday, August 23, 2021 Edition

Monday, August 23, 2021/ Muharram 15, 1443 AH Vol. 37 No. 030 N200

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Police arrest militant spy girl over attack in southeast

>>PAGE 5

Bandits kill 9 in Zangon Kataf LGA Release 15 students of Bethel Baptist School

>>>PAGE 5

President Muhammadu Buhari (2nd Right), Vice President Prof Yemi Osinbajo SAN (1st right), President Of The Senate Dr Ahmad Lawan (1st left), Emir Of Bichi Nasiru Ado-Bayero (2nd left), at the wedding ceremony of Yusuf Buhari (3rd left) and Zahra Nasir Ado-Bayero in Kano at the weekend.

PHOTO: STATE HOUSE

2023: Your time has passed, Gov. Yahaya Bello tells Tinubu pAGE 15

Ortom threatens to sue FG over grazing reserve policy pAGE 6

Police arrest 17-yearold girl who stabs neighbour to death pAGE 7

NDLEA seizes 2,504.8kg of drugs in 5 states pAGE 2

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PEOPLES DAILY, monday, august 23, 2021

News CONTENTS News 2-14 Op.Ed

12-13

Politics 15-17 Stock Watch Business

18 19-20

Metro

21

World New

22

Africa News

23

World News

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Police arrest 7 suspect ed armed robbers in Delta, recover firearms, vehicle T

he Police Command in Delta has arrested seven suspects for alleged armed robbery and unlawful possession of firearms.

The acting Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of the command, DSP Bright Edafe, disclosed this in a statement made available to newsmen on Sunday in Warri.

Edafe said four of the suspects were arrested on Aug. 18 in Sapele by policemen attached to the Sapele Police Division in conjunction with operatives of Neighbourhood Watch.

“On Aug. 18, 2021 at about 0825hrs, a distress call was

received that a gang of four armed robbers were operating at MTN Road by Pipeline in Sapele.

“The DPO, Sapele Division led a crack team in conjunction with vigilante and during the operation, four suspects: Wisdom, Ayodele, Micheal and Success (female) were arrested.

“Three cut-to-size single barrels gun with 18 cartridges and a Lexus car with registration number YAB 750 BP were recovered from them,” he said The police spokesperson said in a related development, three suspects were apprehended on Aug. 18 in Oghara, headquarters of

Ethiope West Local Government Area of the state.

“Similarly, on Aug. 18, 2021 at about 1000hrs, acting on information that three armed men burgled a house at Old Benin Road, Oghara, at about 0200hrs and made away with cell phones valued at N400, 000.

“The DPO, Oghara swung into action, detailed operatives to investigate and bring the armed robbers to book.

“The detectives through intelligence-led operation arrested Macaulay, Ejokirehie and Macaulay at an Indian hemp joint.

“Exhibits recovered from

them included three cell phones, a dummy gun and iron rod used for their robbery operations,” he said.

The police spokesperson said that the suspects had confessed to the crime, adding that the victims had also identified their stolen phones.

He said during investigations, the gang leader (Macaulay) led detectives to their hideout where one locally made gun and two live cartridges buried in the ground were exhumed.

He said that the suspects would be prosecuted upon conclusion of investigations. (NAN)

Gov. Bello describes traditional institution as Nigerian’s rally point Page 10

Education

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Feature 26 Sports 29-31 Back Page

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L-R: Director Media and Publicity of All Progressives Congress (APC), Alhaji Salisu Na’inna Dambatta, APC Chieftain and Former Chief of Staff to Edo State Governor, Hon. Patrick Obiagbon and APC Media adviser, Mr. Zaharadeen Bappah, during the press conference on the achievement of the CECPC, at the Party’s Secretariat on Friday in Abuja.

Photo: Mahmud Isa

Emmanuel restates commitment to SDGs’ implementation in A’Ibom

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ov. Udom Emmanuel of Akwa Ibom has restated his administration’s commitment to the implementation of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the state.

The Commissioner for Lands and Water Resources, Mr Umo Eno, stated this on Sunday in Uyo when members of National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), led by Mr Jacobs Tsado, visited him.

Eno said that the governor was very passionate about ensuring that SDGs were met in every area.

He added that the state government was currently reviewing the state’s water bill in order to have an acceptable water

law and policy.

The commissioner noted that one of the main focus of the completion agenda championed by the governor was food security.

He said that the governor had set different machineries in motion to achieve the set objectives and ensure sustainability.

According to him, government is approaching agriculture from a different perspective to ensure food sufficiency and security.

“The constitution of the Technical Committee on Agriculture and Food Sufficiency and the Directorate of Agricultural Investments are strategic moves toward attaining the goals,’’ he said.

The commissioner reiterated

the fundamental objective of the Emmanuel led-administration which, he said, was to ensure that 80 per cent of the foods being consumed in the state were produced internally.

He said that in the area of water and sanitation, the ministry was on track and currently collaborating with the Federal Government on the Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) programme to end open defecation.

Earlier, Tsado said that the NIPSS members were currently undertaking an appraisal of some critical aspects of SDGs in some states of the federation, including Akwa Ibom.

According to Tsado, NIPSS is the apex policy, research and

training institution in Nigeria which, among other engagements, undertook policy research into all areas of national life.

He said that NIPSS was a general purpose research institute, with the mandate to look into any and every issue that concerned Nigeria.

Tsado said that the study was ongoing in six states of the federation, representing the six geopolitical zones, with specific interest in goals two (food security) and six (water and sanitation) of the 17 SDGs. He noted that food security and water and sanitation were the critical goals affecting people at the grassroots level. (NAN)

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PEOPLES DAILY, monday, august 23, 2021

News

Police arrest 3 students over murder of female colleague in Mubi From Umar Dankano, Yola

T

hree (3) students from different higher institutions based in Mubi North Local Government Area in Adamawa state have been arrested by the police for alleged conspiracy and murder of female colleague.

The students are studying various courses at Federal Polytechnic Mubi and College for Health Technology Mubi town respectively.

Reports had it that late Franca Elisha,a diploma Il library science student with Federal Polytechnic Mubi conceived for her class mate and boy friend, Mumini Abubakar who insisted the pregnancy must be aborted.

Observing that the pregnancy of his lover (Franca) was bulging out and noticeable,Abubakar relocated her to his apartment at unguwar sanda in Mubi, a suburb behind the state university for the planned abortion.

He then informed his friend, Huzaifa Shaiubu, a student with the college of Health Technology who injected the late with a maternity injection that may force labour, a development that made her to loose her consciousness.

After regaining her senses back,Huzaifa added the second injection where she fainted and subsequently died.

The source added that when the two noticed that she was lying lifeless, invited their friend, Rabiu Adamu who assisted them in digging and burying her in a shallow grave at midnight to avoid suspicion.

When her father, Mr. Elisha Iliya couldn’t see his daughter for a while, search team was formed and asked her whereabout through friends, then one told them she saw late Franca with her boyfriend (Mumini) then police arrested him.

Confirming the development, spokesman of the Adamawa state police command, DSP Suleiman Nguroje said investigation has commenced and that Mumuni impregnated her and Huzaifa administered injection while Rabiu assisted in burying the corpse.

Ag News Editor, Tobias Lengnam

NDLEA seizes 2,504.8kg of drugs in 5 states

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he National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has intercepted 2,504.8 kilograms of diverse illicit drugs from multiple suspects in five different states.

The NDLEA spokesperson, Mr Femi Babafemi, said this in a statement made available to News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Abuja.

Babafemi noted that it was in a string of operations in Edo, Ondo, Kaduna, Kano and Kogi states, respectively in the past week, that the drugs were seized.

According to him, in Kogi, 60-year-old Mrs Comfort Uzor was arrested with 62.1kg cannabis on Tuesday, Aug. 17 in Lokoja, where one Dayyabu Usman was also caught with 8kg of the same substance.

“While Uzor sourced hers from

Bolorunduro in Ondo State and was heading to Abuja, Usman got his from Lagos and was taking it to Kano for sale.

“In Kaduna State, operatives of the Birnin Gwari Area Command of the agency raided the home of one Mr Joseph Sunday at Ungwa Pama, Kaduna, where they recovered 48.3kg of cannabis from his room following credible intelligence,” he said.

According to him, in Edo state, NDLEA’s officers on Tuesday, Aug. 17 stormed the Ugbuwe forest in Ovia North East LGA, where they seized 146 bags of cannabis sativa weighing 2,044 kilograms.

“While in Kano state, one Ikechukwu Aleke was arrested with 30,000 tablets of Tramadol 225mg and 99 bottles of Codeine syrup.

“In addition to the arrest was

one Muktar Muhammad, with 370 bottles of codeine cough syrup, weighing 60.4kg, as well as 900 tablets of Rohypnol.

“Also arrested in Kano was Sufiyanu Abubakar, 24, with 400 plastic bottles of Codeine cough syrup weighing 52kg.

“As well as one Mutta Wada, who specialises in using courier firms to send drugs to a recipient in China, using cooking spices bottles for concealment,” he said.

Babafemi noted that over 77.5 kilograms of cannabis and monkey tail were intercepted on Saturday Aug. 21 at Odigbo town in Odigbo LGA, in Ondo state where operatives arrested one Basiru Ijiniga.

He said one Ibrahim Umaru in Sabo area of Akure South LGA was also arrested on Saturday and items recovered from him

included different quantities of psychotropic substances like Diazepam, Tramadol, Swinol and Rophynol.

Reacting to the string of arrests and seizures in the past week across some states, Chairman, NDLEA, retired, Brig.

Gen. Buba Marwa, commended the officers and men of the various commands.

Marwa commended them for their unrelenting commitment to the presidential mandate to clear Nigerian forests and communities of illicit drugs in whatever form.

“We have all laid our hands on the plough, there’s no looking back, no retreat or surrender.

“I urge all our officers and men to intensify the ongoing offensive action until the last gram of illicit drug is taken away from merchants of death,” he said. (NAN)

FCC chairman lauds President Buhari over completion of digital centres

By Paul Effiong

T

he Executive Chairman, Federal Character Commission (FCC), Dr Muheeba Dankaka, has commended President Muhammadu Buhari over the completion and inauguration of eight Digital Economy Centres (DEC) across the country.

Dankaka made the commendation at the virtual inauguration ceremony of the DEC centres, including that of the FCC Headquarters’ office on Thursday, in Abuja.

The inauguration was done by the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr Isa Pantami.

The FCC boss recalled that President Buhari had at the 2019 edition of the Nigeria Conference on Exhibition and Awards, directed all Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to set up Digital Transformation Technology Group (DT-TWGS).

She noted that the DT-TWGS initiative was responsible for coordinating and implementation of Nigeria’s E-Government Master Plan (NEGMP) by the Federal Government.

The primary aim of this directive and subsequent regulatory instrument, according to Dankaka, is to guide the implementation of IT projects in the public sectors in an effort to leverage digital technologies for government service delivery and innovations.

Commending Pantami for his efforts in digital innovation, Dankaka said it was imperative for Nigerians to note that the world had gone digital in all aspects, hence the need for all government activities to key into the initiative for efficient delivery of services, to boost the nation’s economy

agenda.

In line with the Federal Government’s approval for Nigeria’s NEGMP and its Digital Economy Agenda, the FCC boss explained that the National Information Technology Development Agency, established DEC and E-learning facilities at the commission’s headquarters.

“Let me use this opportunity to thank President Buhari, the communication minister and NITDA for considering the commission as one of the beneficiaries of this Federal Government’s initiative,” Dankaka said.

Earlier, the Communication

Minister, Pantami said that digital economy was a core driver of innovation, competitiveness and economic growth adding that no nation could build a digital economy without a constant pool of highly qualified creative talents.

He, however, noted that knowledge institutions played a critical role in the development of the digital economy as they served as centres for generation and impartation of new knowledge to citizens.

The projects inaugurated included E-Accessible centre in Bauchi State for orphans and vulnerable children school and E-Learning facilities at

Ogba Grammar School, Lagos.

Others were E-Learning facilities at St. Paul Secondary School, Enugu and Emergency Communication Centre in Benue.

Also inaugurated was an E-Health/Data Sharing project at Abdulrahman Hospital, Daura, in Katsina and E-Accessibility centre Alderstown School for the deaf, Warri in Delta.

Pantami also inaugurated a Virtual Examination Centre, College of Education, Argungu in Kebbi State and a DEC and E-Learning facility at FCC headquarters in Abuja.

From left: Air Officer Commanding, Tactical Air Command, AVM Gamso Lubo; Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Lucky Irabor and the Commander, 151 Base Services Group, Makurdi, Air Commodore AK Bello, at the Makurdi Airport, during the arrival of Gen. Irabor for the CDS interactive session with retired senior military officers from the North Central geographical zone in Makurdi on Wednesday (18/8/21).

NALDA begins farm estate with 30,000 birds in Yobe

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he National Agricultural Land Development Authority has kick started activities on the 10 hectares farm estate in Dasamu village, Yobe, to engage 150 youths on poultry.

The Executive Secretary, NALDA, Mr Paul Ikonne, made this known on Sunday in a statement issued to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja.

According to him, when he inspected the ongoing construction work at the facility, a total of 30,000 birds had been made available for the poultry farm in the estate.

He explained that the poultry segment of the farm estate, which was purely for the reproduction of eggs in commercial quantities, would serve

not just the state but many parts of the northern region.

Ikonne said, “This farm is purely poultry for egg production, the type of eggs we will be producing here will be reproductive eggs not the types that you just consume.

“These ones will go into the incubator for the reproduction of other birds. That is the advantage of this poultry farm. We are bringing eight incubators like what we have in Daura, Katsina State.

“The incubators will be used to hatch our eggs, as well as for us to keep reproducing and to feed other farms from this place, including farms that are within and outside the state.”

The NALDA boss said President

Muhammadu Buhari had ordered the agency to use the poultry farm to engage youths in the community, adding that the facility would also produce meat.

“So our intention based on the President’s directive is to engage the community because this project is community-based. It belongs to this community,” Ikonne stated.

He added, “NALDA’s intention is to empower these youths and encourage them to go into agriculture and at the end of the day we will also produce chicken for meat.

“We are looking at engaging 150 youths from within this community and they will be trained on how to not only manage the birds, but will also receive

training on other farm practices in animal production.”

Ikonne said at every period of harvest, the layers would go out and another set of layers would come onboard.

He said, “But the uniqueness of this farm is the production of reproductive eggs. We have 30,000 birds already in store.”

The statement explained that the facility would have segments for rearing goats, as well as locations for cultivating crops.

“We are bringing in the goat pen, which makes it more inclusive, because we are also using here for rearing a particular specie of goat,” he said.

Ikonne said that NALDA had rice

farms in two other locations in the state, adding that the tractors deployed for the farms were also being used to support farmers across the local government area.

According to the statement, the Manager, Dasamu Farm Estate, Haruna Gambo, said the facility had started receiving volunteers, while youths and other residents of the community had pledged to ensure the sustainability of the estate.

“We have started engaging youths in the community. We now have volunteers who assist in managing the birds. About 30,000 birds have been moved to site. The community has also assured us of the sustainability of this project,” Gambo stated. (NAN)

PEOPLES DAILY, monday, august 23, 2021

PAGE 4

News

Int’l Peace Day: IPCR tasks Nigerians on peace building

By Ochiaka Ugwu

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Managing Director, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Mr Buki Ponle (L) with the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr Isa Pantami, during the Minister’s appearance on NAN Forum at the Agency’s headquarters in Abuja on Sunday (21/8/21).

FirstBank boosts SMEs with N500,000 grant –official

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is the tip of the iceberg of what SMEs stand to benefit from the programme. We’re looking forward to future partnerships, Adigun said.

Also speaking, Precious Mogoli, Director, SME Clinic by Techpoint, said SMEs were the lifeblood of any economy, and in Nigeria, current data had shown that SMEs made up to 96 per cent of businesses, contributing over half of the country’s Gross Domestic Product.

She noted that COVID-19 was changing the way businesses operate globally, with more emphasis being placed on technology.

“While technology startups

have been able to handle this change, traditional enterprises have found it more difficult.

“With this in mind, the SME Clinic by Techpoint creates a forum that teaches Nigerian SMEs grit, resilience, and how to scale their businesses with technology.

“The SME Clinic by Techpoint tries to reach Nigerian SMEs through its newsletter, town halls/webinars, an annual flagship event.

“It was a truly memorable moment and we hope to keep building a community of business owners who will use technology to impact the Nigerian economy,” Mogoli said.

She explained that small business owners in a pandemicridden world must find ways to the new normal – social distance, remote work and technology, among others, to survive.

“While few businesses have found ways to use these new and emerging tech tools to solve everyday problems and grow their businesses, several others still struggle to adapt,” she added.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that participants at the 2021 SME Clinic, were taught how to sustain their businesses using technology, with trainings on bookkeeping and managing online business.

(NAN)

irstBank of Nigeria Ltd on Sunday announced a N500,000 business grant to five Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), through its SMEConnect initiative aimed at boosting employment.

Mrs Oludolapo Adigun, Group Head, Retail Banking, Lagos Mainland 1, FirstBank, listed the five beneficiary SMEs to include: Buyscrap Nigeria Enterprise; Arteasy Nigeria; Gris Business; Digital Solutions Network and Edatsu Technology Ltd. She said each of the SMEs was given a N100,000 grant to support their businesses after the SME clinic 2021, held in partnership with Techpoint

Africa.

Adigun explained that SMEConnect was one of the tools by which FirstBank delivers the capacity-building pillar of its value propositions to SMEs, with a focus on impacting SMEs in key areas that affect their business growth and development.

“In recent years, FirstBank has embarked on the task of empowering SMEs, considering their immense value to the Nigerian economy.

“We created SMEConnect to help drive this mission and we’re delighted to have partnered with Techpoint Africa for the SME clinic 2021.

“The small business grant

Atiku condoles late Joda’s family

NANTMP did not change name - President

From Umar Dankano,Yola

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ormer Vice President Atiku Abubakar has condoled the family of late elder statesman, Ahmed Joda who died recently, consoling them to take solace in Almighty God. Abubakar said late Joda was a hero of times who built bridges of unity and love across the length and breadth of Nigeria, stressing that his life was well spent for the young ones to emulate.

While at the late Joda’s family residence in Yola, Friday, Abubakar charged the younger generation to emulate the good qualities of the deceased for nation development.

“Joda spent his life in service to this country. He was a man of immense experience and has all his life brought together various parts of this country to understand ourselves and unify the country.”

By Usman Shuaibu

T

he National President of the National Association of Nigeria Traditional Medicine Practitioners (NANTMP), Dr. Shaba Maikudi, has said that NANTMP did not change to any other association as was being declared by the factional president of the association, Alhaji Ibrahim Dada Nakowa.

Maikudi who made the disclosure while addressing the traditional Medicine Practitioners during the general meeting held in Gwagwalada, saying that NANTMP remains a credible association for the traditional medicine healers in Nigeria.

According to NANTMP president, we are not aware that NANTMP has changed to Modern Traditional Medicine

Practitioners of Nigeria (MTMPN) He advised the entire members of association to deem it necessary to work towards the progress of the association, saying that NANTMP was established constitutionally.

He maintained that executives as well as the members would continue to respect the laid down rules and regulations guiding the association.

Maikudi, however, expressed dismay the way at which the Federal Ministry of Health especially the Department of Traditional, Complementary and Alternative Medicine was causing confusion among the traditional medicine practitioners in the country.

Meanwhile, the general meeting was attended by Board of Trustees and the executive members of the association across the country.

APC stakeholders in Gombe central commend Gov Yahaya From David Hassan, Gombe

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he All Progressives Congress (APC) Gombe central yesterday reached an agreement within the zone and pass a vote of confidence on Governor Muhammadu Inuwa

Yahaya.

The confidence reposed on the governor came when APC stakeholders within the constituency met at Yalmatu Deba to decide his continuity.

Speaking at the meeting, convener of the occasion Habu

Mua’azu said continuity of governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya is paramount.

He said the commendation will help him to complete his campaign promised made earlier in his manifesto.

He warned political bigots

who are coming behind to shortchange governor Yahaya’s campaign promised to desist from such.

He called on the people within the constituency not to hesitate to support the present administration.

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PEOPLES DAILY, monday, august 23, 2021

s part of efforts to celebrate the 2021 International Day for peace, the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR) while tasking Nigerians on peace building may have started consultations with stakeholders to observe the day.

In a press statement released Sunday, signed by the Institute’s image manager, Esther Ndukwe, noted the Director General of the Institute, Dr. Bakut tswah Bakut urged Nigerians to take responsibility in their neighbourhoods, communities or groups to make peace happen through peace-building activities such as peace sensitization, peace advocacies, peace talks, arts, sports, dialogue and mediation, either online or offline.

According to the statement, “It should be noted that in social relations, conflict is inevitable and may be necessary for peace to occur.

“However, conflict becomes negative, destructive and costly to all when they become violent.

“It is our utmost conviction that peace is possible with non-violent approach to dispute resolution.

“We therefore call on all parties to dispute across the country to deploy the use of dialogue and nonviolent approach to resolving their conflict.

“We encourage all Nigerians to use the upcoming Peace Day celebration on 21 September, 2021 to spread compassion, kindness, tolerance, hope, love and peace for sustained recovery from the impact of COVID-19 and violent conflict.

“We have begun listing of activities by stakeholders all over the country to track responses and impact.

“The Institute’s Facebook account is also open to receiving all recovery and peace-building activities by stakeholders for documentation and global visibility of local efforts towards realizing the theme of this year’s Peace Day, “Recovering better for an equitable and sustainable world”.

Bakut informed that of particular importance this year, was the localization of the global call and practice of observing Ceasefire and non-violence on the 21st of September every year by combatants or parties in conflict.

“This also aligns with the African Union (AU) programme of “Silencing the Guns”.

“We are reaching out to and calling on all peace loving people, the civil society including faithbased groups, traditional and religious leaders, statesmen, women, youths and media peace networks, Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), Security Agencies and Development partners to leverage their mandates and areas of operational presence and influence to take action towards realizing a ceasefire or nonviolence, especially on the Day of Peace” the statement read in part.

News Bandits kill 9 in Zangon Kataf LGA • Release 15 students of Bethel Baptist School From:Femi Oyelola, Kaduna

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ine persons are feared dead, following an attack by bandits in Ungwan Dooh (Mado) village of Zangon Kataf Local Government Area of Kaduna state.

This is as the bandits released 15 more abducted students of Bethel Baptist High School, Maraban Damishi in Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

The state Commissioner, Ministry of Internal Security and Home Affairs, Kaduna State, Samuel Aruwan stated this in a statement made available to the media in Kaduna yesterday.

The statement stated that Troops of Operation Safe Haven, who responded to distress calls and mobilized to the area,

informed that the assailants fled on sighting the troops.

He said nine corpses have been recovered so far following a search of the village.

“The deceased are identified as: Moses Dangana,Mary Dangana Jummai Dangana and Jerry James.

Others includes; Happy James, Endurance Stephen, Comfort Emmanuel Jummai Tanko and Mary Clement.

“One resident, Magdalene Dangoma, sustained gunshot injuries and is receiving treatment in hospital. Two houses were razed in the attack.

The troops of Operation Safe Haven also rescued 12 persons who were fleeing from the attackers. “ Troops are still carrying out search and rescue operations, and

will make public the exact number of casualties.

“Acting Governor Dr Hadiza Balarabe received the reports with sadness, and condemned the recent spate of devastating attacks in the area.

“She prayed for the repose of the souls of the deceased, and sent condolences to their families.

The Acting Governor wished the injured resident a quick recovery, and urged security agencies to sustain diligent investigations into the attack. “ Troops are working in the area and the public will be updated on further developments”, the statement said.

Meanwhile, 15 more abducted students of Bethel Baptist High School, Maraban Damishi in Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State, have regained their

freedom, after 48 days in captivity.

Rev. John Hayab, the stated Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), said this when he spoke with newsmen in Kaduna yesterday.

“Fifteen more students were released on Saturday night and 65 students are still with the bandits, ” he said.

Bandits in the early hours of July 5, invaded the school and kidnapped an unspecified number of students.

ASP Mohammed Jalige, spokesperson for the police command in the state also confirmed the release of the students.

Jalige, however, said that the police were not in the picture of whether ransom was paid by the parents before the students’ released.

L-R, Chairman Ikeja Branch Of the Nigerian Society of Engineers, Engr Olutosin Ogunmola, Past Chairman Ikeja Branch of Nigerian Society of Engineers, Engr.Margret Aina Oguntala present Outstanding Engineering Personality Award to Devakumar Edwin, Group Executive Director ( Strategy, Capital Projects & Portfolio Developments) Dangote Industries Limited, Devakumar Edwin, Engr. Atinuke Owolabi, Alternate Chairman 2021 Engineering Week Committee, at the Nigerian Society of Engineers Ikeja Branch 2021 Engineering Week, Awards Night, in Lagos on Friday August 20, 2021.

Police arrest militant spy girl over attack in southeast

By Tobias Lengnan Dapam

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peratives of the Nigeria Police Force, working with the Military and other security forces, have arrested one 22-year-old female suspect, Gloria Okolie, for her complicity in the series of deliberate and wellcoordinated attacks on security formations in the south east.

She was also behind attacks on other critical national infrastructure including INEC offices and killing of security operatives in the South-Eastern part of the country.

The police in a statement issued yesterday by deputy PRO, Aremu Adeniran said, “the suspect, a native of Umutanza in Imo State, was arrested

following ongoing investigations and implementation of special operation, Operation Restore Peace, to amongst other things, break the information, drugs and arms supply chain to the outlawed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network in the South-East region.”

Police Investigations revealed that Gloria Okolie is a member of IPOB/ESN in Imo State who worked closely with one Benjamin Uzoma Emojiri a.k.a “Onye Army”, one of the ESN commanders earlier declared wanted by the Police for his lead roles in planning, coordinating and executing the attack on the Imo State Police Command Headquarters and Imo State

Headquarters of the Nigerian Correctional Service. “Her arrest and the revelations from her confession, assisted the Police in the arrest of “Onye Army”, a major breakthrough in the quest to restoring law and order in the South-East region.

“Further investigations by the Police team revealed that Gloria Okolie takes advantage of her gender and seemingly innocuous looks as camouflage to carry out espionage against military and police targets on behalf of IPOB/ ESN. The suspect also serves as an intermediate person, who receives cash, drugs and weapons on behalf of IPOB/ESN and deliver same to their commanders in their camps.

Through her clandestine criminal activities, she actively aided

and abetted the multiple acts of murder, arson and malicious damage to both private and public property by the ESN. A lot of the deadly and unfortunate attacks on security personnel and assets, with numerous fatalities, have the imprimaturs of Gloria Okolie, the spy girl of ESN militants.

Investigation is being concluded to enable the Police arraign her in court for prosecution.”

The Inspector General of Police, IGP Usman Alkali Baba, while commending security operatives for the unrelenting fight against violent crimes in the country, assured citizens of the commitment of the Force to improving public safety and security and upholding law and order in the country.

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PEOPLES DAILY, monday, august 23, 2021

News

Insecurity: Group kick against call for Masari’s resignation From Lawal Sa’idu Funtua, Katsina

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coalition of 43 civil society groups, “save Katsina group” have unanimously kicked against call by some groups and individuals for the resignation of governor Aminu Bello Masari over security situation in the state.

The coordinator of the group, Comrade Hamza Umar Saulawa who stated this while addressing newsmen in Katsina, said it is unfair to blame the governor over deteriorating security in the state.

“Looking at the foregoing realities, it will be unfair and preposterous for anyone to blame governor Masari over insecurity or his call for people to defend themselves”, he stressed.

He added that the governor has less control over the security personnel operating in the state which according to him, “pushed the governor in a difficult position of directing them to act”.

Saulawa similarly commended the governor for providing logistics support to the various security arms working in the state.

The coorditor hailed the courage of the state governor in admonishing people of the state to take up arms to depend themselves against the dreaded bandits.

Ortom threatens to sue FG over grazing reserve policy

From Uche Makurdi

Nnorom,

B

enue State Governor Samuel Ortom has insisted that the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria supercedes the Northern Nigeria Law that provided for Grazing Reserves.

The Governor who said this while speaking with Journalists yesterday, threatened to insistute a law suit against the Presidency

if it decides to go ahead with the Grazing Reserve Policy.

He said the state government will not accept the Grazing Reserve Policy, insisting that they stand with the National Livestock Transformation Programme.

Governor Ortom reiterated that the State will not concede any land for the Grazing Policy, noting that such lands do not even exist.

“The truth is that if the entire country had accepted ranching,

then why is Mr. President insisting on open grazing when there is no land for such.

“In the 50s when this policy was initiated what was the population of Nigeria, it was less that 40 million but today we are more than 200 million. The 923 square kilometer is not even enough to cater for the population. The reason Mr. President is insisting to some of us, I think there is a hidden agenda.

“Mr. President has aides, the Attorney General of the Federation Mallami SAN and other lawyers around him should advise him. For God sake it is laughable and it appears we do not know what we are doing.

“Under my watch, the State will not accept open grazing . I have already briefed my lawyers should Mr. President insist on going ahead with the Policy”, Ortom intimated.

D

elta Governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, on Sunday, said the demise of former military administrator of Benue and Kano States, Brig-Gen Dominic Oneya (retd), was an impactful loss to the state and Nigeria.

Femi

Oyelola,

A group under the auspices of hristian Solidarity Worldwide Nigeria (CSWN), has called for the prosecution of the purported husbands of two students of the

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From: Ahmed Idris, Birnin Kebbi

T

he ActionAid Nigeria (AAN) incollaboration with the Active Support for Rural People Initiative has facilitated the enrolment of over 2,538 girl into primary schools in kebbi State.

This was disclosed yesterday at a one day validation meeting on Local Right programme.

The Manager, partnership and Local Rights programme of ActionAid Alhaji Sani Muhammad said that the gesture was part of government’s intervention.

He added further that 10 communities were among the beneficiary in Ngaski and Augie Local Government Areas of Kebbi which is from zero enrollment in 2007 to 2021 pupils.

From: Mustapha Adamu, Kano

A

17-year old girl, Aisha Kabiru of Shekar Maidaki Quarters, Kumbotso Local Government Area of Kano State has been arrested for allegedly stabbing her 28-year old neighbour, Bahijja Abubakar to death.

The Public Relations Officer of the Kano State Police Command, DSP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, confirmed the incident to newsmen on Saturday.

Kiyawa, who paraded the suspect said she stabbed the

victim at the back of her neck and left her in a pool of her blood following an altercation between the duo.

He said the victim was rushed to hospital, but unfortunately died while receiving treatment.

Kiyawa said the Police acted on the instruction of the Police Commissioner, Sama’ila Shu’aibu Dikko, when the news reached them.

He disclosed that police officers, led by the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Kumbotso Division, SP Mudassir Ibrahim,

nabbed the culprit in a hideout at Zawaciki Quarters of Kumbotso.

“Receiving the report, the Commissioner of Police raised and instructed a team of policemen to proceed to the scene. ”Within 24 hours, the team arrived the area and arrested the culprit while the victim was rushed to the Murtala Mohammed Specialist Hospital, Kano, where she was admitted. Unfortunately, on August 20, at about 0800hrs, the victim died while receiving treatment. ”A suspect, one Aisha Kabiru,

of the same address with the deceased was arrested same day, at about 1000hrs, in a hideout,” Kiyawa said.

The suspect confessed committing the crime during interrogation, saying that rshe had a misunderstanding with the deceased, and during argument, fighting erupted between them.

She added that after they were settled by some people around, high temperament prompted her to get a knife and stabbed the deceased from behind, adding that she did not intend to kill her.

By Tobias Lengnan Dapam

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President Muhammadu Buhari, Vice President Pro Osinbajo San, President Of The Senate Dr Ahmad Lawan, Emir Of Bichi Bayero, Sgf Boss Mustapha, Wife Of The President Mrs Aisha Buhari, Wife Of Vice President Mrs Osinbajo, Wife Of Niger President, Wife Of G/Bissua, Wife Of Governors, Wife Of The Former President Mrs Jonathan, Wife Of Late President Hajiya Turai Yar’adua, Wife Of Late Head Of State Mrs Sani Abacha And Other Prominent Citizens Grace The Luncheon In Honour Of Yusuf And Zahra Buhari To Conclude Their Wedding Ceremony In Abuja. PHOTO: STATE HOUSE

He stated this when he visited the deceased’s family in their Effurun home in Uvwie Local Government Area on condolence.

Okowa said that Oneya lived a life of great impact in all the positions he held in the country, adding that the former military officer epitomised humility and sincerity in his life.

He was accompanied on the visit by the Speaker of the state’s House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori; Chairman, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state, Chief Kingsley Esiso; Commissioner for Culture and Tourism Engr Lawrence Ejiofor, Chairmen of Uvwie and Ughelli North Local Government Areas,

Mr Ramson Onoyake and Mr Godwin Adode and other top government functionaries.

The governor pointed out that late Oneya affected many lives positively in public service and community and was a prominent chieftain of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state.

“I have come here today to

condole with the wife and family of our leader, Brig-Gen. Dominic Oneya (retd). The news of his death was quite a shock because I never heard he was sick before before his passing.

“He was in my office less than two months ago and his passing away actually came as a shock but we cannot question God.”

Government Girls Secondary School in Chibok, Borno state who surrendered with them recently.

In a statement signed by the Research and Press Officer of CSWN Reuben Buhari, and made available to the media in Kaduna yesterday,

the group stated that the girls Ruth Ngladar Pogu and Hassana Adamu were forcefully abducted from their school when they were preparing to write an exam.

The statement added that after being taken away from their families, friends, and

society, they were forcefully and unlawfully given off to terrorists who were part of those who denied them their rights to education in the first place.

CSWN further stated that while they are happy that the two girls were reunited with

their parents, it has, however, become a great concern to them on the careless use of the terminology - ‘husband’, in describing those that forced themselves on these girls and eventually sired children with them.

Group calls for prosecution of purported husbands of two freed Chibok girls

From: Kaduna

ActionAid enrolls 2,538 girls in school

News Police arrest 17-year-old girl who stabs neighbour to death in Kano

Ugandan TV host features in BET awards

Oneya impacted society greatly, says Okowa

By Nosa Akenzua, Asaba

PAGE 7

PEOPLES DAILY, monday, august 23, 2021

opular Ugandan TV host, Ronald Kabuye has become the first Ugandan to feature in USA’s BET awards.

The TV presenter cum producer featured in the awards following a sterling performance at New Vision (Urban TV) at his home country.

Ronald worked as a TV presenter and also a TV producer at New Vision (Urban Tv) where he has contributed immensely to the Uganda entertainment industry.

He went on to set up in 2015, Haloha Brand Architects, a brand and reputation management company which has greatly showcased the beauty of Uganda entertainment industry to Africa and the world in general.

Ronald has anchored various entertainment programs in Uganda and featured prominently in MTV Africa Music Awards in South Africa, The BET Awards in Los Angeles in America.

Chief of Defence Staff CDS), Gen. Lucky Irabor (R), receiving a souvenir from the Air Officer Commanding, Tactical Air Command, Air Vice Marshal Gamso Lubo, during a security parley with retired senior military officers from North Central geographical zone, in Makurdi on Wednesday (18/8/21).

FG taking measures to address security challenges — Defence Minister

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he Federal Government is leaving no stone unturned to ensure that the insecurity challenges being presently faced by the country is addressed.

The Minister of Defence, Retired Maj.-Gen. Bashir Magashi spoke at the Bi-Annual Leadership Lecture and Graduation of the 14th set of students, Centre Leadership School/Konrad Adenauer Stiftung (KAS) on Saturday in Abuja.

Magashi was represented by Dr Smattah Musa, the Director, Army Affairs Department, Ministry of Defence.

According to the minister, the insecurity challenges will soon be a thing of the past and Nigerians will be able to go about their normal businesses without hindrances.

Magashi said that Nigeria was faced with myriads of security challenges virtually from all the geopolitical zones.

He listed some of the

challenges to include communal conflicts, herders/farmers clash, and insurgency among others.

“These challenges always manifest in serious humanitarian crisis and a threat to national security to the extent of threatening the cooperate existence of the country.

“Some of the solutions to this security threats are multidimensional in nature that involved both kinetic means which includes but not limited to strategic leadership and sustainable development framework.

“To this end as leaders, I hope you are prepared to contribute your quota by taking up the responsibilities and challenges that is expected of you, particularly at this critical point,’’ he urged the graduants.

The minister also commended the centre for its commitment toward developing the capacity of

the country’s future leaders.

“I look forward to not only establishing a closer relationship with you as professionals but also in efforts toward tackling the country’s security challenges.”

Earlier, Dr Otive Igbuzor, the Founding Executive Director of the centre, said that the centre and KAS had been working for 12 years to build the capacity of youths in the country.

Igbuzor said that when the idea of the leadership school was conceived in 2009, there were few training programmes and 12 years later, the diagnosis of leadership failure as one of the reasons for the under development of Africa was confirmed.

“I am happy to note that we have graduated 1, 248 students to date, our vision is to produce a critical mass of leaders that will change the trajectory of leadership in Nigeria and other

parts of Africa,’’ he said.

Igbuzor commended the staff as well as the lecturers and faculty members of the school for their selfless service teaching without pay for 13 years.

He also congratulated the students and urged them to put into use what they had learnt to improve themselves and contribute their quota to the development of the country.

The Chairperson of the occasion, Nkem Izuako, former Judge, United Nations Dispute Tribunal, in Nairobi Kenya, commended the centre for its efforts toward building the capacity of the youth in terms of leadership.

According to her, leadership is the bane of many Nigerian and African institutions and urged the graduants to take up the responsibility of changing the narrative.

“As you go out, you have a

responsibility to be the salt of the earth and the yeast that leavens the bread, that is a responsibility that you cannot joke with,’’ she said.

The Guest Speaker, Dr Iroro Izu, Department of Political Science and International Relations, University of Abuja, said that the topic of the lecture, “ Leadership, Security and Nigeria’s Development” was apt.

Izu said that this was because leadership challenge remained the single most decisive element or ingredient in a nation’s quest to develop and secure peace within its borders and beyond.

He said that insecurity in Nigeria had led to some dismal realities which directly or indirectly affected national development.

As a result, he said that Nigeria needed responsive leaders that would rise to the demands of the electorate. (NAN)

PEOPLES DAILY, monday, august 23, 2021

PAGE 8

News Delta Govt organises workshop for NYSC members

BY Nosa Akenzua, Asaba

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he Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development in collaboration with the Nigerian Stored Products Research Institute (NSPRI) and Synergy Impact Development at the weekend commenced a five day capacity building training programme for selected National Youth Service (NYSC) members in Delta State.

The event which held at the Nigerian Stored Product Research Institute Secretariat, Sapele, was formerly declared opened by the Executive Director of NSPRI, Dr. Patricia Pessu who advised the NYSC members to put into proper practice what they Would acquire during the exercise.

She advised the participating NYSC members to ensure that they all adhered strictly to the Covid-19 rules and guidelines, throughout the training process.

The Executive Director, NSPRI, Dr. Pessu, in her address, informed the Corps members and other participants, “that agriculture is the biggest job provider in the country, however, farmers are unable to derive optimal benefit or profit for their efforts in agriculture, all because of the Nigerian ecosystem.”

She stated that, “ millions of young people in Nigeria are either unemployed or underemployed.

The unemployment rate in Nigeria as at 2020 has risen to 33.3% which when translated into figures is about 22.3 million people. This and others gave birth to this capacity building.”

Highlighting the need and benefits of the programme, Dr. Pessu said that the “Nigerian Stored Products Research Institute has a mandate to conduct research and develop innovative technologies to minimise post-harvest losses of farm produce and to also maintain food safety and security in the country.”

She emphasised that “through this training, participants will be exposed to the numerous opportunities in the Nigerian value chain, food storage modalities and creation of value for themselves and the society.”

The Delta State Coordinator of the NYSC, Mr. Alao Olusegun, who was represented by Bazuaye Gloria, informed the participants that the programme was packaged to provide knowledge and skill in agricultural commodities, explaining that participants, through the programme would be equipped to solve the problem of unemployment among graduates in the country.

Varsity don seeks adequate funding for renewable energy

By Osaigbovo Iguobaro

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University Don, MaRiekpen Edekin Evbogbai has proposed a power generation shift from the conventional hydro energy to renewable energy-solar generated power for Nigeria to attain the needed economic, industrial growth and development.

The professor of electrical and electronics in Edo University,

Uzairue, Edo State gave the recommendation while delivering the 2nd inaugural lecture series of Edo State University, entitled, “Light, Man and Development: Photovoltaic Power Generation for Sustainable Development” at the Institution.

According to him, renewable energy such as solar power is inexhaustible, replenishable and environmental friendly. In addition, it can be converted to

electrical energy and available for all and sundry unlike the hydro energy which requires a swift flowing river and hydro carbon based energy resources which are site specific.

Evbogbai explained that Photovoltaic power generation which involves the direct conversion of light energy from the sun into electrical energy, is the most viable solution to resolve the electrical energy crises in Nigeria

because it is renewable, clean, cheap and environmental friendly.

He said to ensure industrial and economic development, there is need to improve electricity generation and distribution across the Country as the approximately 5, 000MW megawatts currently available for transmission to final consumers, is not enough incorporating Photovoltaic Power generation in the nation’s electricity energy mix.

CommandantGeneral, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Ahmed Abubakar (M), and the DirectorGeneral, National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Brig.-Gen. Shuaibu Ibrahim (R), inspecting the NYSC exhibition venue, during the visit of the CommandantGeneral to the NYSC museum in Abuja on Thursday (19/8/21).

With them is the Director of Planning Research and Statistics, NYSC Alhaji Ahmed Wada.

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he Delta State Commissioner for Primary Education, Mr. Chika Ossai, has said that the administration of Senator Ifeanyi Okowa had impacted positively on the overall well-being of Deltans and

residents through several critical initiatives.

Ossai, who made the disclosure in an interview with the New Nigeria Television Channel in his office in Asaba, said that there was multiplicity of infrastructural development, ranging from road projects, health

facilities and infrastructure in the education sector as well as empowerment programmes.

He stated that the essence of the various empowerment programmes was to make youths and women self reliant and entrepreneurs.

The commissioner, who said

that the administration of Senator Okowa had upgraded three higher institutions to universities to accommodate more Deltans seeking admission into universities, noted that public primary schools in the state were receiving attention from the state government.

CBN’s Anchor Borrowers’ Programme and return of pyramids

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he Anchor Borrowers’ Programme (ABP) which was launched on November 17, 2015 was designed to provide farm inputs in cash and kind to Small Holder Farmers (SHFs).

The programme was intended to create a linkage between Anchor Companies involved in food processing and SHFs of the required key agricultural commodities through the commodity associations.

The ABP was designed to help the nation achieve self-sufficiency in food by, at least, “growing what we eat,’’ and then, put a stop to the reckless importation of food items.

This was supposed to help save scarce foreign exchange which can then be used for other more pressing needs.

The ABP is funded and managed by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), through its development finance initiative.

It commenced with a takeoff grant of N220 billion Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Fund (MSMEDF), through which farmers got loans

at nine per cent interest. They are expected to repay based on the gestation period of their commodities.

The interest rate was later reviewed downwards to five per cent, to allow for more inclusive participation.

Recently, the apex bank revealed that it had disbursed about N791 billion to over three million farmers across the 36 states, under the programme.

The Director, Development Finance Department of the bank, Mr Yusuf Yila said that the programme had helped participating farmers to improve their yields, especially maize from initial two metric tons per hectare, to five metric tons per hectare, while that of rice to four metric tons, per hectare.

Two initial beneficiaries of the agriculture revolution of the federal government, and the ABP were Kebbi and Lagos states. The two states went into a collaboration that birthed the LAKE Rice initiative.

That initiative has now resulted to the construction of a multi-billion

Naira 32 metric tons per hour capacity rice mill by the Lagos state government.

Recent occurrences across the country indicate that the ABP has started yielding the desired results, as the CBN unveiled rice and maize pyramids in some states. Kebbi appears to have positioned itself as a hub of rice production in the country, with the unveiling of its rice pyramids in March, which is also a pointer to the gains of the ABP. The rice pyramids reflect the success of the programme and the attendant multiplier effects on the economy and the country’s food security.

The unveiling, which was part of the fifth anniversary of the scheme also served as an occasion to mark the National Rice Festival and the flag off of the 2020/2021 dry season input distribution under the aegis of the CBN-Rice Farmers Association of Nigeria (RIFAN) collaboration.

Kebbi state Governor, Atiku Bagudu, said investments in the ABP were already paying off, adding that the rice farmers displayed the

successes and gains of the last five years by showcasing the massive array of rice pyramids.

“This is a great testament to the happy journey so far in spite of the devastating effects of the global COVID-19 pandemic on the economy, flood disasters and other issues.

“Nigerians have been resilient at work; hence, we are celebrating these achievements recorded in the last five years. The last five years have given us great hopes that agriculture will continue to produce the desired results,” he said.

Bagudu noted that CBN, under Godwin Emefiele, had taken the risk, shown commitment and pumped more money into small scale farming.

Some rice farmers in Kebbi state also confirmed that the ABP had been of immense benefit to their farms.

According Ibrahim Amisu, a rice farmer, farmers are provided with six bags of fertiliser per hectare, water pumping machine, herbicide, and cash support.

Page 9

News

Buhari mourns Amb. Muhammad Dahiru Abubakar

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resident Muhammadu Buhari has expressed sadness and grief over the death of veteran diplomat, Ambassador Muhammad Dahiru Abubakar, his Senior Spacial Assistant on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu announced in a statement on Sunday.

Reacting to the passing of the Kano born diplomat on Sunday, President Buhari said, “the death of Dahiru comes as a shock to me because we lost him at a critical point when his vast and valuable experience, knowledge and wisdom were acutely needed by the country.”

According to President Buhari, “the former Ambassador to Argentina and China was a man of solid integrity, a reputation he kept unsoiled throughout his extensive public service career.”

“I’m proud of his untainted record of integrity and selfless service. He had never used public office for personal profits-a rare quality in a society where

people are obsessed with the desire to amass wealth by any means,’’ President Buhari further extolled the virtues of the veteran

Ezewu comments Okowa’s devt. strides in education

Nigeria-British Business Forum appeal for UN intervention in Nigeria schools abductions

By Nosa Akenzua, Asaba

Okowa impacted positively on Deltans

By Nosa Akenzua, Asaba

PEOPLES DAILY, monday, august 23, 2021

D

elta State Commissioner for Secondary Education, Mrs. Rose Ezewu, has applauded Governor Okowa Administration for its giant strides in repositioning the education sector in the state.

Ezewu gave the commendation in her office in Asaba while fielding questions from the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Nigeria News Television Channel, Mr. Seun Akinde.

The commissioner stated that the administration had continued to provide infrastructure in public secondary schools so as to make teaching and learning environment conducive since its inception in 2015.

Ezewu said that the initiative was geared towards addressing the issue of out of school children, adding that in a bid to ensure that teachers were effectively trained in line with the modern trends, the Okowa Administration established the Teachers Professional Development Centre (TPDC) at Owa-Oyibu in Ika North East Local Government Area of the state.

While saying that 1000 science teachers were employed and deployed to rural areas to impact on the grassroots, Mrs. Ezewu described the governor as a pragmatic, God fearing and focused leader who had the interest of Deltans at heart, irrespective of their ethnic background.

diplomat.

The President prayed to Almighty God to forgive the gentle soul of the deceased and reward

his good deeds with paradise, according to the statement.

He also extended condolences to the family and government of

Kano State over what he called “this enormous loss of a great Nigerian.”

Participants during a conference on adolescent and youth health development, in Abuja on Sunday (22/8/21).

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hairman, Education Committee, Nigeria-British Business Forum, Mrs Ibironke Adeagbo, has appealed to United Nations (UN) SecretaryGeneral, Antonio Gutteres, to speak out on recurring school kids abductions in Nigeria.

Adeagbo, also, Chief Executive Officer, UK Child’s Rights Group and founder, I-A Foundation, made the appeal in an e-mail sent to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Sunday.

NAN reports that the Education Committee of NigeriaBritish Business Forum is a think-thank set up to enable professionals in diaspora to contribute toward economic development of Nigeria.

Adeagbo said the appeal to the world body was to draw international attention to “the depressing incidents of kidnappings in Nigeria which has been forcing millions of children

out of school.”

“Our appeal comes against the backdrop of the recurring abductions of young people in Nigeria – a development that is clearly affecting the future of the country and its young people,” she said.

Adeagbo also works in a unit of the UK Home Office, set up to prevent children and young people from getting involved in crime.

She said I-A Foundation had been at the forefront of ensuring that out-of-school children in Nigeria were empowered to get education and make something meaningful out of their lives.

Adeagbo pleaded for UN to launch a rescue plan to help Nigeria to stop the recurring abductions, especially in the northwest where scores of school children had been abducted in their schools in recent times.

She cited the attack on Bethel

Baptist High School in Kaduna State, with kidnappers demanding about N80 million to release 80 kids snatched from the school.

Adeagbo also cited the 15 students and four staff of the College of Agriculture and Animal Science in Bakura, Zamfara State, abducted two weeks ago with the abductors demanding N350 million before their release.

She said that the international community should step in to tackle the matter decisively.

Adeagbo said the persistent abductions had forced millions of children to stay out of school to avoid kidnapping.

According to him, this development will eventually destroy the future of education in a country where up to 13 million children are already out of school.

“IA-Foundation believed it was important for Nigeria to be intentional in ensuring that our

youths are well equipped through the education system to compete on the global stage. ”This cannot be achieved with school children being kidnapped all the time.

“Nigeria is blessed to have resilient, creative and intelligent youth population. ”Therefore, government needs to invest heavily in the education sector, especially in upscaling teachers,’’ Adeagbo stated.

She noted, however, that education development would only be possible in an atmosphere of peace, where everyone, especially youths would have unrestricted opportunities to prosper in various endeavours.

Adeagbo also appealed to the Nigerian government to rise up to the challenges.

She said that Nigeria would overcome its current common challenges with unity of purpose and staying together. (NAN)

Secure power equipment against vandals, BEDC urges Customers

By Osaigbovo Iguobaro

T

he Management of Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC) has asked its Customers to secure power equipment across the four franchise States; Edo, Delta, Ondo and Ekiti against vandalism, which account for higher quality service delivery and huge revenue loss.

It implored its Customers and other kind-hearted Nigerians to take advantage of the whistle blowing helplines to report

vandals and verify the status of suspicious individuals who pose as BEDC Staff and sometimes extort electricity users under its radar.

Managing Director of the company, Mrs. Funke Osibodu made the appeal at a media parley in Benin City, Edo State.

She said BEDC currently has about 10 cases against alleged vandals in court and had secured convictions against two vandals across its areas of operation.

She also urged the national Assembly to expedite action in

reviewing fines and penalties for vandalism as part of measures to check the economic crime and deter people from embarking on such adventure or take the wind out of the sale.

“I tell people that things can’t change if BEDC Customers do not want the change because it usually take two persons to conspire.

When this information gets to all of you, act by calling your network for us to step on it.

“Customers should stand up for your right...We have whistle blowing numbers.. We have zero

tolerance for corruption and we had fired erring Staff in the past”, Mrs. Osibodu said.

“BEDC continues to record and increase in the cases of vandalism across its franchise zone. We believe that aside being an economic crime, it is also an act of sabotage which is unfair to affected customers and BEDC. “More worrisome is the fact that these miscreants are continuously innovating new ideas beyond human comprehension to perpetrate their criminal act”, according to her.

PEOPLES DAILY, MONday, august 23, 2021

PAGE 10

News NIHOTOUR matriculates 500 students for 2020/2021 academic session

By Mashe Umaru Gwamna

N

ational Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR), has matriculated 500 students for 2020/2021 academic session.

The newly matriculated have been enjoined to be obedient to constituted authorities of the Institute and remain law abiding with strict adherence of the tenets of the Institute which is Centre of Excellence in the pursuit of their various professional programmes.

Director General and Chief Executive Officer of the Institute,Nura Kangiwa, made the call during the matriculation ceremony in Abuja and other eight campuses across the country via Zoom streaming,at the weekend.

Kangiwa represented by the Director, Research and Development/General Studies of the Institute, Dr. Taiwo Famogbiyele, reiterated that NIHOTOUR has resolve to produce skilled, motivated and well-equipped graduates that will be instrumental and involved in bringing about the desired change of filling the skill-gap in the industry and ensure better quality service delivery in line with global best practices.

He assured the matriculating students of the support of the Institute in ensuring that the students attain both their personal and organizational goals in the upgrade of their professional competence and status for better service delivery in their work places within the industry.

The Guest lecturer of the occasion Mr. Nkereuwem Onung and National President of the Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN),called for the reinforcement and job assurances in the labour market as well as within the operations of the industry by government and employers to mitigate the negative impacts and effects of the Covid-19 pandemic on the industry resulting in job losses and dwindling of businesses of stakeholders and investors.

He applauded the efforts of NIHOTOUR for continuously engaging operators and professional practitioners in the industry for better service delivery through training and re-training, noting that without the requisite skilled manpower, better quality service delivery as needed by customers and tourists in the industry will be a mere mirage.

Gov. Bello describes traditional institution as Nigerian’s rally point From Yakubu Minna

Mustapha,

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overnor Abubakar Sani Bello of Niger State has described traditional institution in the country as a rallying point for Nigerians, where they learn from each other

devoid of their background.

This was contained in a statement issued yesterday in Minna by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary CPS, Mrs Mary Noel-Berje.

According to her, Bello stated this at the coronation and presentation of staff of office to

the 2nd Emir of Bichi, Alhaji Nasiru Ado Bayero by the Kano State Governor, Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje in Bichi.

He said that the convergence of different traditional leaders in the country to witness the coronation of the Emir of Bichi, further proves that

their coming together would engender unity amongst Nigerians as they will learn from one another.

The Governor noted that the coronation of the Emir of Bichi will bring about rapid development of the emirate and foster peace and security.

PEOPLES DAILY, monday, august 23, 2021

Coronation: Okowa congratulates Atuwatse III, 21st Olu of Warri

By Nosa Akenzua, Asaba

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elta Governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, has congratulated Ogiame Atuwatse III on his coronation as the 21st Olu of Warri.

In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Olisa Ifeajika, on Sunday in Asaba, Okowa described the successful coronation of the highly reverred monarch as an “act of

God” and prayed that his reign would be peaceful and beneficial to the kingdom and humanity.

He particularly commended the Itsekiri people for the peaceful conduct of the coronation and urged the new monarch to chart a new beginning of harmonious and peaceful coexistence among his people and other ethnic groups in the state.

He also charged the people

to give maximum support to the king to enable him to lead the Kingdom to greater heights.

“On behalf of the government and people of Delta, I congratulate His Royal Majesty, members of the Warri Traditional Council and the people of Itsekiri nation on the successful coronation of Ogiame Atuwatse III as the 21st Olu of Warri.

“The Warri Kingdom has

always demonstrated that it is peaceful, closely-knit and investor-friendly and I urge the people not to derail from the laudable trajectory.

“As the custodian of culture and tradition of Iwere people, I urge you, your majesty, to work towards the promotion of harmony in the kingdom and its neighbours and to attract more investment to the domain,” Okowa stated.

SCI calls for synergy to combat climate change, save lives

By Tobias Lengnan Dapam

S

ave the Children International (SCI), has called for synergy to combat climate change and save lives.

SCI in a statement to mark the World Humanitarian Day, called for a renewed effort by government and other stakeholders in fostering a meaningful exchange on what the climate crisis means to people, its impact on Nigeria, especially in the North East and possible action that can be taken to reduce the impact on people who are already facing humanitarian crisis.

“As we celebrate the World Humanitarian Day, it is important to remember that the combination of climate change and conflict pushes people out of their homes, disrupts food production and supplies, amplifies diseases and malnutrition, and weakens health-

care services. Children have contributed the least to the climate crisis, and yet we know that they are paying the highest price.

“In addition, climate change increases risks of violent conflict by amplifying poverty and economic shocks while wreaking havoc across the world at a scale that people and humanitarian organizations on the frontline cannot manage.”

The International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies estimated that following climate-related disasters, the number of people in humanitarian need could double to over 200 million by 2050, and humanitarian funding needs could increase to US$20 billion annually by 2030.

On this occasion of the World Humanitarian Day, Shannon Ward, Acting Country Director,

Save the Children International Nigeria said, “Climate change is real. We should be able to learn from other countries and strengthen our early warning system and disasters management mechanism in Nigeria. With the level of flooding we experienced in some parts of Nigeria, and the conflict in the North East, I feel we need to do more to prevent anything that could lead to people being displaced from their communities and source of livelihood; which will eventually push the humanitarian workers on the edge”.

“Save the children is in solidarity with people affected by the climate change and associated disasters. We lend our voice and support to #TheHumanRace the race against the climate crisis, where no one should be left behind, including girls, boys, women and

all those who are already facing humanitarian crises especially in the North East Nigeria.”

Save the Children with funding support from European Union is supporting the government of Yobe State to address the challenges of limited livelihood options and desertification caused by climate change in the state through training of the extension workers on environmental conservation and desertification control as well as on natural resources management. “Our effort is also supporting household level participation in planting trees to combat desertification while we develop and see to the implementation of Community Natural Resource Action Plans aimed at minimizing resource conflict among communities and protecting vital resources.

Letter to the Editor

EDITORIAL

The out-of-school crisis

M

inister of Education, Alhaji Adamu Adamu, penultimate Thursday expressed worry over the “alarming rise” in the number of out-of-school children in the country. Speaking during the opening of the 65th National Council on Education (NCE) meeting in Jalingo, Taraba State, with the theme, “Eradicating Out-Of-School Children Phenomenon: A Tool For The Achievement Of Education 2030 Agenda,” Adamu said the problem “must be tackled immediately” by all stakeholders.

The minister said going by the survey conducted by the United Nations Children Education Fund (UNICEF), Nigeria led other countries with out-of-schoolchildren. Represented by Minister of State Chukwuemeka Nwajiwuba, Adamu pegged the figure at about 10.1 million.

Representative of the Vice President, Chief Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi (11th, L); President, 2021 Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), Arch. Bishop Augustine Akubueze (10th, L); representative of the Pope in Nigeria, Mr Anthonio Guido-Filipazzi (8th, L); former Governor of Anambra, Mr Peter Obi (4th, R) and other bishops during the opening mass session of the 2021 CBCN, in Enugu on Sunday (22/8/21).

PAGE 11

According to him, “Aside from other fundamental factors such as poverty, cultural and religious beliefs, the recent occurrences in the country’s education system such as kidnapping of pupils/ students, increased insurgence and general insecurity in schools have fueled some of the factors responsible for the present situation.”

Firstly, Adamu was only reminding everyone that the problem was not new, not one created by the present government.

It was there before it was brought to power and probably will still be after it leaves office because it isn’t a problem that can be solved overnight. Adamu called it an “ugly trend”. So it is.

Secondly, the majority of the out-of-children are found in the North. The causes are historical, religious and socio-economic.

These are compounded by today’s security challenges.

“

According to him, “Aside from other fundamental factors such as poverty, cultural and religious beliefs, the recent occurrences in the country’s education system such as kidnapping of pupils/ students, increased insurgence and general insecurity in schools have fueled some of the factors responsible for the present situation.””

Moving forward, Adamu stated, “For the government and stakeholders to record a landmark achievement, the education system would require a total overhaul in provision of a safe and secured environment for learners and teachers among other things they must do.” According to him, the Federal Government has launched Better Education Service Delivery for All (BESDA), piloted in 17 states, to tackle the problem.

OUR MISSION

He noted that the government was also establishing more schools and “doing everything” to improve the welfare of teachers among other measures it was taking to “curtail the ugly trend.”

T h e government has been doing its best possible to mitigate the security crisis.

The Book Haram insurgency in the northeast that wrecked the region’s school system has been all but ended.

Schools are being rebuilt and new ones constructed.

Child enrollment is on the up.

However, mass poverty is still a big problem. Poor breadwinners are unable to send many of their children to school all at once.

Governments in the north have abolished fees in order to boost enrollment, but this is only a drop of water in the ocean.

Thirdly, we must not forget that “the menace” isn’t for government alone to deal with. As Adamu said, all stakeholders in the education system must come together to confront the crisis in it.

OUR PEOPLE

“To be the market Chief Operating Officer place of ideas and /Editor, the leading player Hameed M. Bello, PhD in the industry by putting the people first, upholding the Manager, administration Hassan Hammanyaji truth, maintaining the highest professional and ethical standards while HEAD, ADVERT delivering value to patrick UGAMA our stakeholders”

OUR VISION

“To be a reputable, profitable, innovative and technologically reliant media company offering world class services and products”

NEDC: Appraising House of Reps Accountability Report

By Onuche Odoma

T

he Managing Director (MD) of the North East Development Commission (NEDC) Alhaji Mohammed Goni Alkali is a rare breed. His honesty, transparency and uprightness in the discharge of his responsibilities at the NEDC are seldom in most Nigerians. His public actions in the management of people and resources are unlike the general known character of Nigerians.

Months back, the House of Representatives bowed to pressures and conducted investigation into the alleged misappropriation of N100 billion at the NEDC by the management, headed by Mohammed Alkali.

Some NGOs blew the alarm and the Nigerian media amplified the message.

A motion raised in plenary by Minority Leader, Ndudi Elumelu accused the NEDC boss of multiple corrupt acts and financial infractions at the commission, which was created to jumpstart massive infrastructural developments in the Northeast ravaged by years of Boko Haram insurgency. The House of Reps conducted a scrupulous investigation into the allegations against Alkali, but only found an empty bag of accusations.

Its submitted and adopted report on the probe indicated that the allegations against Mohammed Goni Alkali were spurious, frivolous, fabricated and baseless. Pleasantly too, the Reps committee also commended the Alkali-led management of the NEDC for its impressive and credible performance in projects execution in the communities covered by the mandate of the commission.

This is an uncommon applause for a public servant in Nigeria who came under the investigative searchlight of national parliamentarians. Most Nigerians who find themselves in such probes hardly escape, without a scratch on the skin, like in the case of Alkali. They are found complicit in many ways and handed over to antigraft agencies for prosecution.

Those conversant with this country, cannot argue that Nigerians are variously very ingenious. Test a Nigerian on anything, he excels exceedingly. Nigeria parades many best world class recognized professionals in virtually every disciplines. Nigerians are industrious and productive. The never-dying spirit in a Nigerian has opened rare doors for him and in strange climes globally.

However, like established by social scientists, every being is a blend of the contents of good and evil. The evil side of some Nigerians is also strappingly amazing.

Nigerians have a high content of corruption. It’s nearly impossible to demand from many Nigerians holding public offices to adhere to the doctrinal tripod of transparency, accountability and probity in service.

Therefore, looting, embezzlement, diversion, pilfering, plundering, siphoning of the nation’s commonwealth and other financial crimes generally are the cherished pastime of most public office holders or Politically Exposed Persons (PEP) in the country.

Financial crimes are very commonplace and the ingenuity it is executed, sometimes, marvel anti-graft agencies in the course of investigations.

There is hardly any day, one picks a copy of daily newspaper in Nigeria, without the headlines screaming with words like “Billions of naira missing in NPA;” “Probe spending of N881bn by 367 MDAs without appropriation, SERAP tells Buhari;” “Multi-billionnaira fraud rocks NDDC management;” “Over $ 2 billion arms procurement funds looted” and so forth.

Nigerians with the proclivity of corruption hardly ruminate while committing these crimes. But once the whistle blows, they indulge in all manner of subterfuge to subvert justice to the Nigerian state and the people.

Courts trials of suspected fraudsters and parliamentary sessions digging into allegations of frauds have experienced some humorous scenes.

Some fraud suspects under trial or probe turn the courtrooms or venues into drama theatres. They play the thespian to invoke pity from the same public they shortchanged for personal enrichment, merely to evade justice. Some even feign illness.

There are notable examples! Of course, Nigerians have not forgotten how ex-PDP national publicity secretary who was standing trial for alleged money laundering collapsed in court in one of his trial sessions.

He was accused of partaking in the diversion of N400 million from the $2.1 billion arms procurement fund.

Former Bayelsa State Governor, Chief Diepreye Alamieyeseigha had to redefine gender fashion by disguising as a woman and escaped the shores of Nigeria when he faced alleged corruption charges.

Likewise, the Acting Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) Prof.

Kemebradikumo Pondei, dramatically slumped and fainted during a financial sleaze investigative hearing at the National Assembly (NASS). He was drilled by NASS committee over his alleged mismanagement of

N40 billion funds of the commission. The riddle is yet to be resolved.

It was at the heat of the national uproar generated

by Prof. Pondei’s battling with the hammer of parliament investigation that the allegations against the NEDC management sprouted. But as an upright and incorruptible public servant, Alhaji Mohammed Goni Alkali was not panicked by it. He calmly told reporters of his willingness to appear before the Reps Committee anytime he was invited to render accounts of his stewardship.

From the outset, Alkali trusted his clean records.

Strikingly, the case of the management of the NEDC is however different. The parliament did its investigation and gave Alkali a pat on the back for his flawless handling of public accounts and projects. But the charges against him were multiple. His accusers alleged corrupt practices such as high handedness, over inflation of contracts, awards of non-existent contracts, massive contract splitting and brazen abuse of procurement laws in the award of contracts.

Quite honestly, the dragnet was expansive. But none of the allegations had any worthwhile substance to nail Alkali or implicate his leadership of the NEDC. This is an apt indication of a genuine and accountable public leadership by Alkali. Those close to the NEDC boss have attested to his personage as a stickler to personal positive morality. He combines it with the dictates of the law, anywhere he dispenses public leadership.

Today, if Nigerians are amazed at the rapid infrastructural rejuvenation of the Northeast, which was devastated and ruined by terrorists, the shadows of the NEDC under Alkali’s leadership reflects conspicuously everywhere. Through Alkali’s focused and honest leadership, the NEDC has strongly waded into the humanitarian crisis and infrastructural deficit caused by by Boko Haram insurgency.

The NEDC-MD has adopted the Multisectoral Crisis Recovery Project (MCRP) approach, as supported by the World Bank in tackling the disparate problems in the Northeast. The commission is into sensitization of the locals on the reality of fleeing remnants of Boko Haram insurgents and the dangers of sheltering escapee insurgents. And Alkali has trained select natives on techniques of dismantling unexploded landmines in communities for a more protective environment.

The commission has launched and is aggressively pursuing the Education Endowment Fund, agenda in the region. The scholarship benefits over 20,000 youths at the cost of N6 billion yearly. It has enabled the beneficiaries to access academic or professional capacity training and development in different fields of studies.

The NEDC is implementing the rehabilitation of drinking water and sanitation facilities in the states of the Northeast. Within his short duration in office, Alkali has implemented various humanitarian reliefs projects numbering 1, 310 under the broad scheme of “Rapid Response Intervention” (RRI) in all the 112 local governments of the Northeast region.

The commission also provide farmers with agricultural machinery and equipment, seeds, fertilizers, agrochemicals and extension services logistics vehicles annually under a programme tagged; “Integrated Agriculture Programme” (IAP). It covers the whole 112 LGAs in the Northeast. The NEDC is also into skills acquisition, training and provision of starter packs to Information Communication Technology (ICT), trainees.

Alkali has given entrepreneurship, and vocational skills a boast. Each of the 1,028 wards of the Northeast region, The NEDC has empowered women and youths in order to divert attention from the attractions of conscription into Boko Haram. The NEDC’s ambitious project of the construction of 10,000 housing units spread across 10 Borno LGAs for the resettlement of the internally displaced persons (IDPs) are the many signposts of the Alkali-led management of the NEDC. Therefore, a public administrator engaged in such lofty and populist programmes as exemplified

by Alkali’s leadership of the NEDC will not see the extra public funds to embezzle, even if he is tempted.

Consequently, it was a heart-warming external blend with the reality in the management of NEDC, when the House of Reps applauded the NEDC for due diligence in the execution of projects, after the probe of alleged looted N100 billion.

Certainly, NEDC’s initiatives, operations and its impact on the communities in the Northeast region are speeding up the recovery process of the traumatized people and recovery of the entire devastated region.

Mohammed Goni Alkali is accordingly encouraged to sustain and possibly, accelerate the tempo, as funds keep coming into the coffers of the commission.

Odoma wrote this piece from Abuja.

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PEOPLES DAILY, monday, august 23, 2021

Opinion

F

take a lot of money that the federal government with its competing economic needs from other sectors of the economy could no longer afford. It is time to turn them over to the private sector to run them efficiently and profitably.The basic aviation audience now could not agree less with governments position, as the longer we delay we are just postponing the day of reality dawning on us.

Now in 2021, with the airports still in the tight and unprofitable hands of the federal government and the aviation unions still at arms with the government over the remooting of the idea of concessioning as the only way to go. Many observers are now at awe with the activities of the unions who once praised concessioning as an idea whose time has come.

NIGERIAN AIRPORTS ASSETS OR LIABILITY. Presently the federal government operates and has 22 airports scattered all over the country, a record in Africa, but not me to envy, out of the 22 aiports,19 out of this numbers are unviable as they operates at a total loss. Save for the Murtala Mohammed international airports in Lagos, Nnamdi Azikiwe international airport Abuja, and the Portharcourt international airports which

are classified as viable, Mallam Aminu Kano international airport Kano, the others are liabilities to the government.

Investigations have shown that the i traffic Lagos airports and the Abuja internatimal airports excess revenues which has amounted to N26.1Billion has consistently been used to augment and cover the running costs of this 19 unviable airports and that is enough reason to convince any public minded analyst to support the call for concessioning.

Recently, the aviation Minister, who has consistently reiterated and maintained his stand on concessioning as the only way out still maintained his stance that the Federal government has no money to invest on aviation infrastructures and this is honest truth because of the economic realities we are presently experiencing in the country.

What is at stake is not the total concessionings of the airports as only the terminals would be involved.

I think we should all convincingly rise and support the stance of the Federal government as it is an idea which is exceptionally and systematically a departure from the stance of the past administration which considered a total concessioning.

Paucity of funds have led the

federal government to take this decision which cannot be said to be rash as the government is always in dialogue with the aviation workers and all the other critical stakeholders in the Nigerian aviation industry.

We must understand that the Buhari administration has done a lot for the aviation sector and we must trust that this bitter pills to take solution became neccessary because of dwindling revenue that has made it impossible for it to provide for aviation infrastructures. For example the Murtala Mohammed airports built in 1979 was made for to process 200,000 passengers but today processing for about 8Million passengers yearly.This clearly shows and stipulates that the airport is overstretched and needs more infrastructures and this made the government recourse to the private section through the PPP mechanisms.

What the Buhari administration is trying to do is to keep the assets of the people for the people unlike the previous administration that tried to sell off the assets of the people. What the government is doing is for service delivery and it will revert surely to the people.

HOW NOT TO CONCESSION. Government has since 2017 begun moves to concession the nations airports beginning

with the big four, Lagos, Abuja,Portharcourt,and Kano.Coincidentally.they are beneficiaries of the 2013 loan deal between China and Nigeria for the building of four terminals in Nigeria. Abuja and Portharcourt now use their new terminals, Lagos and Kano are work in progress.

Recently, following the concession approval by the infrastructural concession regulatory agency ICRA, the workers in the aviation industry through their unions became more agitate asking for the details of the 500MD concession loan previously taken for the terminals buildings and the planned add ons.There is need for openness and trust and government must urgently avail the unions of this details.

It is also important that the government must come clean on the issue of primacy of Nationals security.It should urgently place it within the confine of national security architecture especially at this security threatening times in our country.The four airports are basically a gateway to the country and the people are right to demand details especially as the concessioned airports may be in foreign hands.

Musa Wada, Abuja

U.S. not eligible to act as judge of human rights

By Zhong Sheng

T

he U.S. Department of State recently released its annual “Trafficking in Persons Report,” arbitrarily and unscrupulously criticizing and smearing other countries, while listing the U.S. among the “Tier 1”, the highest ranking, countries in the report despite its notorious record on human trafficking.

However, no matter how hard the U.S. tries to fabricate such reports filled with false information year after year in an attempt to brazenly prettify itself and defame others, it can never change the fact that the self-styled “beacon of human rights” is not able to disperse the darkness surrounding its own human rights situation.

Instead, the so-called “Trafficking in Persons Report” only exposes to the world once again the malicious intention of the U.S. to interfere in the internal affairs of other countries under the guise of human rights.

“The U.S. Department of State strives to advance around the world the security, prosperity, and values that U.S. citizens share,” said U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken in the report. The shameless boast of the U.S. is no doubt a slap in its own face.

In the report of 600-plus pages, the U.S. glosses over its own problems with less than half a page, showing symptoms of selective amnesia again. The fact is that human trafficking is not only a dark chapter of the U.S. history, but a brutal reality in the country. The U.S. is by no means eligible to act as a human rights preacher or judge.

The development of the U.S.

had a direct correlation with the bloody and atrocious slave trade, a sin that can never be whitewashed.

The brutal transatlantic slave trade was the largest long-distance forced movement of people in history.

The arrival of the enslaved Africans tn the Jamestown Colony, in 1619, marks a beginning of two and a half centuries of slavery in North America.

According to the TransA t l a n t i c Slave Trade Database, more than 12.5 million Africans were trafficked to the New World between 1514 and 1866, not counting many who died on the way.

Slavery was still legal when the U.S. became independent in 1776. Many of the late U.S. presidents, including George Washington and Thomas Jefferson, were slave owners. Even after the country announced the abolition of slavery in 1865, many of its southern states have enacted laws that enforced racial segregation or other discriminatory policies against black people.

To this day, the U.S. is still troubled by systemic racial discrimination, which is one of the underlying causes of the social division in the country.

The U.S. always makes indiscreet

“

remarks about the human rights situation of other countries while turning a blind eye to the prominent problems of human trafficking and forced labor at home.

From the end of 2007 to the end of 2019, the U.S. National Human Trafficking Hotline handled 63,380

of the actual problem,” said the organization.

According to statistics released

by U.S. academic institutions, at least 500,000 people in the U.S. have been subjected to modern slavery and forced labor. The victims include both American citizens and foreign citizens from almost every region in the world, including vulnerable groups such as women, children and people with disabilities.

Slavery is still widespread in the U.S., but has simply taken on a new form, pointed out an American scholar.

Compared to the huge human trafficking industry in the U.S., the country’s endeavors to fight the crime seem feeble and futile.

Between July 2017 and June 2018, U.S. Department of Justice found 8,913 potential and confirmed human trafficking victims, while almost during the same period, the U.S. Department of State, Department of Justice, and Department of Homeland Security only investigated 2,183 cases and prosecuted 386 suspects, according to the Global Report on Trafficking in Persons published by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime in February.

Human trafficking was not deemed as illegal act and federal crime until the promulgation of the Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000, pointed out U.S. media.

“Human trafficking is an

Slavery was still legal when the U.S. became independent in 1776.

Many of the late U.S. presidents, including George Washington and Thomas Jefferson, were slave owners. Even after the country announced the abolition of slavery in 1865, many of its southern states have enacted laws that enforced racial segregation or other discriminatory policies against black people. cases of human trafficking, according to statistics from Polaris, a nonprofit organization committed to fighting sex and labor trafficking.

In 2019, the number of human trafficking cases reported to the U.S. National Human Trafficking Hotline reached 11,500, involving 22,326 individual survivors, suggested data from Polaris, which also indicated that during the past five years, cases of forced labor and human trafficking were reported in all 50 states and Washington D.C. of the U.S. “Shocking as these numbers are, they are likely only a fraction

Comment

Citizen’s participation in governance of Enugu

Seeking end to inefficiency at nation’s airports our years ago, the Federal government conceived and proposed the idea of concessioning as the only way out of the gross inefficiencies and rot in the nations airports scattered all over the country.

The aviation workers and other stakeholders who have initially given their nod to this idea have now turned their back on this proposals citing some red flags. The federal government through the Aviation Minister Senator Hadi Sirika, has maintained consistently that the government no longer has the funds to invest in aviation infrastructure scattered through out the country.

The current stalemate is either fueled by lack of transparency in the overall concession programmes or selfcentredness in the part of the aviation workers. The merit and demerits of the concessioning programmes in the aviation when weighted against the rot in the aviation sector of the country, if truth be told is now tilting in favour of the government.

The arguements of the government at this time, in reality, is the most logical.

Airports in our country both local and international are in a deplorable state that earned them the reputation of being the worst aerodromes anywhere in the world. Fixing them would

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PEOPLES DAILY, monday, august 23, 2021

epidemic in the U.S. It’s also big business,” said American magazine Fortune.

The lucrative market of human trafficking in the U.S., which is in disorder due to lax supervision, incomplete law and slack law enforcement, makes criminals and relevant interest groups repeatedly risk danger in desperation. Human trafficking industry keeps growing in the country.

Human trafficking is just the tip of the iceberg of the human rights problems in the U.S. In recent years, especially since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, white supremacy has resurged and ethnic minority groups, aborigines, refugees, and immigrants in the country have faced more prominent systemic discrimination.

Given its poor human rights record and the serious human rights violations suffered by the American people, how could the U.S. even have the confidence to play the human rights card to meddle in the domestic affairs of other countries?

Defaming others can’t make the U.S. look better, but will only damage its own image. What the U.S. should really do is to look back at the past mistakes it has made and truly address its human rights problems including human trafficking and forced labor, so as to realize racial justice and equality and make sure that the American people can truly share the “security, prosperity, and values” that U.S. politicians keep boasting of.

(Zhong Sheng is a pen name often used by People’s Daily to express its views on China’s foreign policy and international affairs.)

By Luke Mgboh

I

t was Abraham Lincoln who defined democracy as “ A government of the people, by the people, and for the people” .

This definition can be said to be exemplified in the positive and pragmatic relationship between the Enugu State Governor, Rt. Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi and the good people of Enugu State. It is illustrated further, in the level of goodwill and massive support the Governor is receiving from the people; leading to the giant strides by the “Gburugburu” leadgovernment; anchored on security, good governance, peace, love and genuine unity, enjoyed by the people of the State and all the people living or visiting the State.

Ordinarily, in every democracy citizens have a responsibility to be part of their government by registering to vote and also by voting in elections. Citizen participation is the pillar of democracy. It means citizens performing their social responsibility of participating in government as part of their civic duties.

Through this means, the citizens have a voice in their government.

In line with this philosophy, which is powered by the goodwill between the Governor and “Ndi Enugu”, the Governor directed youths, who have attained 18 years of age, and all those who have issues with their voter’s cards to go and participate on the ongoing INEC dual, online and physical registration exercise.

Ndi Enugu (the citizens) on their part are also beginning to key into the exercise, mostly for the love of their cherished Governor and the knowledge that their participation in

the exercise will boost the electoral fortunes of the State, which will ultimately attract more democracy dividends to them as has been the story, since the coming on board of Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi.

The citizen’s participation in so many ways have helped to provide the needed impetus, which is driving and motivating the Governor to do more for the people; thereby making Enugu State the “Home For All”, especially for the people of the South East.

This argument has since been advanced by The Economic Confidential, in its 2019 Annual States Viability Index, listing “Enugu State among the six most economically viable states in Nigeria” and no doubt, one of the safest States in the country.

Citizen participation means that every one, including children can get involved in doing something that will make the living conditions better for all and sundry.

It is equally true that in a democracy the power to positively change things lies in the harmonious working relationship between the citizens and the government through the protection and preservation of government properties.

Worthy of note is the role of Enugu youths who turned out in their numbers, to help stop the “ End SARS demonstrators from further destruction of public utilities in the state. They went as far as explaining to the demonstrators the importance of all the public utilities in the State and went further to plead with them to shield their swords in the general interest of everyone.

Furthermore, the youths galvanized themselves and helped cleanup the entire city;

demonstrating clearly the importance of informed youths in any society.

That gesture from the youths will forever remain indelible and unprecedented and will continue to motivate the people’s Governor to roll out more developmental projects despite the present challenging economic fortunes of the state and country at large.

It is therefore not surprising that the government has been relentless in providing numerous rural and urban developmental programmes, which have greatly transformed the living standards of rural dwellers on one hand and urban settlers on the other hand. For instance, the construction of several rural roads, construction, renovation and upgrading of district, and cottage hospitals, health centers, plus schools, classroom blocks and so many modern customary court buildings, massive employment of teachers, empowerment of women and youths through SMEs, among others are there for all to see.

Urban centers like Enugu and Nsukka are not left out of the Governor’s largess. Numerous roads were constructed or renovated, New Unity Relaxation Park commissioned, bus stops constructed in every part of Enugu, Enugu State Secretariat Annex Nsukka completed, Infectious disease hospital completed, construction of first Enugu State Customary Court of Appeal Headquarters, ongoing construction of Nike lake T junction Flyover and underpass and so on.

The welfare of civil servants through the regular payment of their salaries and payment of 13th month worker’s Christmas bonus is unprecedented, alongside

regular payment of pensions and the ongoing construction of Civil Servants Estate are some of the gestures that a robust citizen participation entrenches into to the system, following the good working relationship between Labour and government.

All these achievements by government it must be noted stem from the fact that citizens participation in governance does not end at voting in elections. it is an ongoing civic activity. In the case Enugu State, the goodwill between the Governor and the people is traced to days before he became their Governor. There was already an existing philosophy known as “Gburugburuism” which was entrenched in the Governor’s humility, selflessness, positive impact on everybody around him and his philosophy of ‘giving’ back to the society.

Furthermore, the people are always alive to their responsibilities and are also quick to demand for their rights from a friendly Governor through various pressure groups in a convivial atmosphere.

Little wonder the citizens of Enugu State are happy people as they welcome visitors to the state with open mind. Their hospitality is second to none.

It is no longer news that any visitor to Enugu State always long for a return to the Coal City State.

This ‘open mindedness’ is also found in the behavior of Governor Ugwuanyi in his love for the country leading the Interior Affairs Minister, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola to laud the many ways the administration of Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi is promoting the spirit of “ One Nigeria “, adding that such actions are what the country needs to make

steady progress.

Obviously, the contribution of citizens to good governance can never be over emphasized. It offers every individual an opportunity to have a say in the political, social, economic decisions and policies of government. This could be said to be giving impetus to the Governor’s bottom - top approach to leadership in the state.

Under Ugwuanyi communities are encouraged to initiate developmental projects which best suit their needs.

Other means which the people of Enugu State influence their government include political rallies, social carnivals , pressure groups, religious gatherings and many other viable means not mentioned here. On their part, they also know that they must be alive to their civic responsibilities by having their voter’s cards and voting during elections.

They are also very active in protecting public utilities such as roads, traffic lights and electrical installations, bus stops, relaxation parks, public buildings etc. They are equally aware that all the public utilities belong to them not to government as was erroneously believed.

This robust relationship between Ndi Enugu (Citizens) and their beloved Governor are some of the contributory factors to Ugwuanyi’s success story in Enugu State.

That’s why in Enugu, we Say ‘Enugu Amaka’ (Enugu is beautiful) because “Enugu is in the hands of God,” Dr. Luke Mgboh is a Public Affairs Analyst working in Enugu State.

Governors’ aptitude test for teachers: A wrong means to a right end “In a completely rational society, the best of us would be teachers and the rest of us would have to settle for something else.” - Lee Iacocca Of all the cadres and professions of civil service, none has suffered more denunciatory and disdainful treatments like the Nigerian teacher. The society in general sees them as a people occupying the lowest strata in honours web. They are downscaled to proletariats, and most surprisingly by those they taught.

Before the return to democracy, they were among the least remunerated civil servants. A sharp contrast to Carl Jung’s assertion: “One looks back with appreciation to the brilliant teachers, but with gratitude to those who touched our human feelings. The curriculum is so much necessary raw material, but warmth is the vital element for the growing plant and for the soul of the child.” Nigeria is averse to this position.

It is a social stigma that has adversely affected the psychè of Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) and All Nigeria Conference of Principals of Secondary Schools (ANCOPSS), making them the most attenuated trade union activists in the country.

At the exit of military in governance in 1999, the new civilian dispensation formulated and implemented minimum wage salary scheme that gave a quibble facelift to their monthly take-home.

Then the Universal Basic Education (UBE) program, which made PrimaryJunior Secondary education free and compulsory to all Nigerian children came on board. Schools’ numerical staff strength needed to be enhanced to

meet the demands of pupils population explosion. Each state government was empowered to recruit more teachers in proportion to pupils’ population increase rate.

But since it was a federal government-assisted program, some states jumbled the recruitment process.

Merit was displaced by nepostism/ favouritism and consequently mediocrity thrived over competence/ adroitness.

20 years down the line, the hen is back home to roost. Successive governments emerging from varied political party platforms in those states started frowning at an alleged ‘low literacy level’ in the ranks of teachers. Some governors, feigning perfectionists, have started conducting some demeaning exercises in the name of testing teachers’ qualification, competence or intelligence. They felt their predecessors maneuvered the twin prerequisite instruments of competence and merit in choosing who to recruit into the job.

But instead of querying their respective states’ Primary and Postprimary Education Boards, they shunted the legitimate due process and usurped the jobs of the Boards themselves. Even the permanent secretaries in their states’ ministries of education, were not brought to reckon.

It is akin to doing the right thing by the wrong means.

For instance, His Excellency, Gov. Babagana Umara Zulum, who has amassed profound good will among his people and Nigerians at large for

his unequalled developmental strides in Borno made a strange move on Monday 9th August, when he paid an unscheduled visit to local schools in Baga and Kukawa LGAs of the state and conducted impromptu aptitude test for teachers “to ascertain their level of qualifications and ability to teach professionally...” It turned a melodrama as still photographs of about 65 teachers writing an ‘exam’ set by the governor made the rounds across social media platforms.

This was three years after Gov. ElRufai of Kaduna set the precedence, subjecting all teachers in the state to an aptitude test for the same purpopse but with more severe consequences, as he claimed tens of thousands of them failed the test and risked compulsory retrenchment.

One prevailing debilitating phenomenon in Nigeria is the culture of imitation, or what political diplomacy call inter-state policy borrowing. Once one governor has done something that generated peculiar vibes (whether positive or negative), you can easily bet that others will copy and follow suit. But just before another governor imitates Governors El-Rufai and Zulum, it is important to point out that it is an abuse of the chain of command in civil service in Nigeria for a governor to snub relevant authorities and bypass protocols to go so low to teachers and set evaluation tests to them. It is not in the place of any governor to accost teachers with such exercise whatsoever.

Reports indicated that none of the governors in their bravado took

the leadership of their states Primary Education or Post-primary School Management Boards (SPEB or PPSMB) into counsel while embarking on the exercise. It is a breach of teachers’ rights and an illegitimate encroachment into the job description of the SPEB/ PPSMBs. It also amounted to undue intimidation and office bullying on the teachers who were made to shiver under the hammer of their governors.

It is ridiculous and makes mockery of teachers’ respect, honour and dignity before their students.

Granted, Gov. Zulum promised they won’t be sacked even if they failed the test, rather, some would be redeployed to other units as it suites his wish, but Gov. El-Rufai threatened a mass sack.

The truth is, both of them unduly played down on the psyche and self esteem of those teachers. To Zulum who claim to have conducted it as a novelty exercise, of what use is it, if not mere humiliation, as their pupils watched their Masters being ‘mastered’ by the governor.

What happened to the continuous “train the trainers” programmes aimed at improving workers’ efficiency and human capital development/resources management in state civil service? f they’re sincere in their quests for quality education for our pupils, the governors should start by empowering Teachers Training Institutes such as Colleges of Education (COEs) and states’ Education Boards that produce and train/deploy these teachers respectively. Ensure a good learning environment for them during their professional training in COEs, ensure

strict compliance of SPEB/PPSMB to due process, competence and merit in the recruitment process and supervisory roles, and watch every other thing fix itself.

This is the canon and spirit of civil service code.

It is disheartening that many Nigerians react to issues of public interest with untamed emotions, such that they hail what rational beings would have condemned. From 2017 when Gov. El-Rufai subjected Kaduna teachers to the exercise, down to the current Zulum’s expedition, many have lauded them for ‘fighting the wrongs’ in our schools.

Meanwhile, when placed in perspective, the magnanimity of Gov Zulum on Friday, February 8, 2020 when he strolled into Kyarimi Primary school in Jere LGA of the state by 6:30am and met only one teacher, Mrs. Obiageli, already waiting for her pupils, which excited him so much that he gifted her a cash of N100,000 in appreciation of her punctuality to duty, it becomes apparent that His Excellency has a special interest in that sector and wouldn’t mind going to any extent (permittable or not) to demonstrate that.

But in all, due process, and legitimate channels should be observed.

Eze Jude O., Medical Laboratory Scientist, Columnist and a Public Affairs Analyst

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PEOPLES DAILY, monday, august 23, 2021

News

Niger Govt partners to provide health programmes From Yakubu Minna

Mustapha,

N

iger State Government would continue to collaborate with the state Primary Health Care Development Agency to conduct health programmes for the benefits of women and children.

The wife of state governor and founder, Raise foundation, Dr Amina Abubakar Bello stated this during the official flag off ceremony for the 1st round of June/July 2021 Maternal Newborn and Child Health week and launching of IPV2 vaccine in Minna.

Dr Amina said the state government through the state Ministry of Health and the state Primary Health Care Development Agency have continued to provide interventions for the health and well-being of women and children which stakeholders have attested as reliable.

How Nigeria can remain united, economically developed, by Atiku

By Folorunso Abuja

Alagbede,

F

ormer Vice President, Alhaji Atiku has expressed the firm belief that Nigeria can and will remain one strong and united nation with significant strides in economic development to improve the lives of our peoples.

Atiku however added, quickly that everybody in the country must work hard at the country remain strong and united by making necessary compromises to accommodate one another.

The former Vice President said this yesterday at the public presentation of a book entitled, “Remaking Nigeria: Sixty Years, Sixty Voices” in Abuja.

The book is an edited work with contributions from 60 Nigerians from a variety of

backgrounds, callings, and ideological viewpoints.

The presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in the 2019 general election, pointedly declared that hard work and compromises were necessary for restructuring the country, especially in terms of the relationship between the centre and the constituent states and between the public and the private sectors.

In his speech tagged, “Development and NationBuilding for Nigeria’s Future”, Atiku maintained that fixing or restructuring will help in the nation-building project because “it will help to foster a sense of nationhood out of our disparate groups, cultures, religions, and regions” Nationhood, he said, has to be

forged through what we do as a country, and leadership is critical in the process of nation-building.

His words, “I strongly believe that Nigeria can and will remain one strong and united nation with significant strides in economic development to improve the lives of our peoples.

“However, we must not take it for granted.

“We must work hard at it and make necessary compromises to accommodate one another.

“Hard work and compromises are necessary for restructuring the country, especially in terms of the relationship between the centre and the constituent states and between the public sector and the private sector.

“We do not need to reinvent the wheel; there are numerous examples of success from around

the world for us to borrow from while adapting them to our local conditions.

“That fixing or restructuring will help in our nation-building project because it will help to foster a sense of nationhood out of our disparate groups, cultures, religions, and regions.

“It is obvious that a country is not necessarily a nation.

Nationhood has to be forged through what we do as a country, and leadership is critical in the process of nation-building.

“Leaders give direction and the example they set determines the extent to which their followers will trust them.

“Without trust, there’s no leadership. Without leadership, a country drifts and becomes more difficult to forge into a nation”, he stated.

Obaseki’s wife offers lifeline to check irregular migration among girl child

By Osaigbovo Iguobaro

W

ife of Edo State governor, Mrs. Besty Obaseki has identified sporting activity as a tool towards reducing the scourge of irregular migration among girl child.

Obaseki gave the charge during the official Logo unveiling of Besty Obaseki Women Football Tournament (BOWFT) 2021, at the New Festival Hall in Benin.

According to her, “Today is a great day of joy for me and I want to congratulate every Edo young woman and Edo mothers because they are going to be happy to find that their is a better environment for their children to thrive.

Officials of the Dangote Coal Mines Ltd. and beneficiaries of the 2021 disbursement of scholarship to indigenes of the Coal bearing communities in Ankpa Local Government Area of Kogi state recently

Sellbeta Shopping launches E-commerce platform in Nigeria

By Tobias Lengnan Dapam

I

ndigenous Information, communication and Technology company, SellBeta has launched E-commerce platform with latest features.

In a statement released to the press by the company’s chief Executive officer Emeafu Elvis Chibuzor, said the E-commerce platform comes with added security which ensures that

transactions maintain optimum security.

The E-commerce platform is designed to sell a wide variety of products .

The business structure will make provision for business to business (B2B), business to consumer (B2C), and consumer to consumer operations (C2C).

The statement reads in parts; “Sellbeta.com is a Nigerian local online mall, that will serve both

local and international stores.

Our goal is to become the engine of e-commerce and trade in Nigeria.

“We will serve a retail customer base that will continue to grow exponentially, offering products that span various categories including Phones, Computers, Men Fashion, Women Fashion, Home Appliances, Books, healthcare, Baby Products, Toys, personal

care, Electronics and much more.

Our edge over the existing competition includes; lowest price guarantee, 7-day free return policy, dedicated customer service support, and many other strategic initiatives that would be developed as the need arises.

“As we continue to expand the mall, our scope of offerings will increase in variety, simplicity, and convenience. We will always

be highly customer-centric and be committed to finding innovative ways of improving our customers’ shopping experienceswith us. We would pay as much attention as possible to feedback from various sources”.

The upscaling of its former website to a full e-commerce platform is to provide a reliable alternative to the shopping populace, the statement concludes.

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PEOPLES DAILY, monday, august 23, 2021

Modakeke killing: Osun lawmaker tells indigenes to beware of marchants of war

By Musa Baba Adamu

I

ndigenes and residents of Ile-Ife and Modakeke communities in Osun State have been urged to be wary of marchants of violence who plan to use the recent killing of farmers as launchpads for full scale war.

The Chief Whip of Osun State House of Assembly, Tunde Olatunji, in a statement to commiserate with Ogunsua of Modakeke and the entire people of the ancient town, lamented the ongoing misinterpretation of the killing of the farmers.

He expressed worry that some enemies of peace and progress were already relating it to another Ife-Modakeke unrest.

Recall that five farmers, on Friday morning, were found dead at Aba Alape, off Toro Road Village, Oyere in Ife North Area Council.

To this end, Tunde Olatunji urged the families of the deceased and the community to be persuaded by the account of the police and government that the gruesome killing was a criminal act perpetrated by evil people and not in anyway communal.

“I want to appeal to our people that we must be careful not to open wound that has healed over two decades ago. Those who detest peace, progress and unity of our race must not be allowed to achieve their dastardly act of taking advantage of security breach to cause discord and bloodletting on our land,” he said.

The legislator, who represents Ife North State Constituency where Toro village is located, also pleaded with the media to avoid sensation, saying “but be truthful and conscientious in their reportage of the situation as genuine agent of peace and development, noting that the consequence of false information is difficult to comprehend.

“While it may be impossible to manage that excesses of citizens journalists on social media, the account of professionals who writes for the traditional media had a great impact on what the society believed and act on”.

While commending the Ooni of Ife and the Ogunsua of Modakeke for the maturity displayed in managing the fallout of the Toro killing, Olatunji also lauded the prompt response of the police to the incident, as he pleaded with the agency to fish out the killers within the shortest possible time to douse the likelihood of any suspicion.

He also thanked the state Governor, Gboyega Oyetola for responding to the situation urgently.

2023 Presidency: Your time has passed - Kogi Gov, Yahaya Bello tells Tinubu

By Ikechukwu Okaforadi

A

midst rife speculations that the national leader of All Progressives Congress (APC), Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is interested in succeeding President Muhammadu Buhari in 2023, the Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, has rather advised the former Lagos Governor to shelve his ambition and allow younger generation of leaders to govern the country.

Advising Tinubu against contesting for Presidency in 2023,

Bello urged the former Lagos State governor to take a back seat and allow youths he has groomed to rule Nigeria.

He, however, noted that though the APC National Leader has the right to contest in 2023, he should step back and allow the youths.

Bello stressed that Nigeria is not a Banana Republic that one or two persons can see as their personal properties.

According to Bello: “Senator Tinubu is one of our leaders and I respect him so much. He has

played a very significant role in Nigeria’s democracy and has built a lot of people.

“He has paid his dues, and with all respect, as a son to him, my simple advice is that it is time for him to allow his children to take over the mantle of leadership and do it to the glory of God and his admiration.

“He should see that those children he raised are now doing well. Let him see how we manage this country in his lifetime.

However, he has a right to run, nobody is questioning that.”

“Let me tell you that Nigeria is not a banana republic, which a committee of one or two persons will see as a personal estate or property,” Bello said.

Though his Aides had before now denied claims that Tinubu is interested in the 3023 presidential contest, just as he has remained silent on his perceived ambition ahead of the election, however, both his body language and his campaign posters have flooded strategic positions both in Abuja and in some states, including at the APC national Secretariat.

National Coordinator of Saraki is coming 2023 Umar Faringado Kazaure(4th from right) with beneficiaries during the Flag-Off of distribution of Fertizer by the Saraki is coming on Friday in Kano.

Obiano using Ojukwu’s name to perpetrate corruption – Group alleges

By Christiana Ekpa

A

political group, Global Initiatives For Good Governance (GIGG) has alleged that Governor Willie Obiano of Anambra State is using the name of the founder of All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA), Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, to perpetrate corruption.

In a statement signed by its Director-General, Chief Emeka Kalu, the group, which prides itself as pro-democracy, claimed that there is manifest lack of accountability since the inception of Governor Obiano’s administration.

It therefore asked the Governor to give account of his stewardship, commitment to credibility, fairness and performance in the management of the resources of the state, saying that from the inception of the government till date, Anambra is being characterized by alleged mindless looting and diversion of public funds under the watch of Obiano.

The group also regretted that the funds should have been channelled to developing the education sector, healthcare facilities, road projects and agricultural grants to farmers in the state to attract monumental and overall infrastructural development in the state.

Rather, the group said Obiano’s government has exhibited high level lack of accountability, which has subjected the state to developmental backwardness for the past 20 years.

GIGG noted that erosion mishaps had been one of the environmental hazards facing various communities in Anambra State, further regretting that the huge chunk of diverted funds could have been utilized to address the situations.

The sociopolitical body posited that Obiano has failed to lead by example by running an open door policy where every drop of decisions and actions in government are neutrally subjected to scrutiny, watchfulness and accountability

thereby restoring the public confidence in public affairs and governance.

According to the GIGG, the governor is at the moment working very hard to ensure he gets his party win the forthcoming governorship election in the state by hiding under the philosophy cloak of our respected Igbo leader of blessed memory, Chief Chukwuemeka Odimegwu Ojukwu, the founder of APGA to perpetrate and perpetuate injustice, corruption and avarice against the will of Ndi Anambra.

The GIGG however demanded accountability in the leadership of the state as it was ready, willing and eager to publish evidence capable of proving beyond reasonable doubts that Obiano’s government allegedly looted and is still looting Anambra’s treasury.

The group also partly stated, “Global Initiatives For Good Governance,(GIGG) an umbrella body in socio-political platforms whose responsibilities are to scale, assess and evaluate the performances or otherwise of

leaders in our contemporary society and make public comments to that effect. To whom much was given, much is also expected in turns from him and this statement is credited to Chief Willy Obiano, the Executive Governor of Anambra State on the current status of his credibility in the discharge of his statutory functions to the people of Anambra State.

“Our functions as a light indicator in observing the workings of things in governance through intelligent gathering have carefully studied and investigated to some reasonable extent and uninhibitedly confirmed piles of looting, misappropriation and mismanagement of funds traceable to Governor Willie Obiano in the United States Of America.

“Confirmation has it that he personally secured for his private use and ownership several apartment complexes worth billions of dollars in the USA regardless of how the poor, destitute and the unemployed suffer in the face of these excesses and recklessness.”

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PEOPLES DAILY, monday, august 23, 2021

POLITICS Your failure betrays calls for younger President - Tinubu group replies Bello

By Christiana Ekpa

T

he Tinubu Support Group (TSG) has described Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello as a betrayal of Not-too-Young-to-Run Campaign with his shoddy performance in governance.

The TSG stated this against the backdrop of an interview granted a national daily by the Governor, in which he advised the National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to drop his presidential ambition.

Governor Bello had in the interview asked Tinubu to drop his presidential ambition and support him, noting that “ as a son to him, my simple advice is that it is time for him to allow his children to take over the mantle of leadership”.

In a reaction to Bello’s remark, the TSG in a statement signed by its Director General, Umar Ibrahim, said that the governor’s opinion should not be taken seriously.

According to the statement, “All Nigerians can attest to the fact that governor Bello of Kogi State is a disgrace to the Not-too-Young-to-Run Campaign.

“How do we commit a great nation such as Nigeria to a socalled youthful governor who was given opportunity to lead his state and he messed things up?

“Kogi people are dying daily because of unpaid salaries and misgovernance and you think that’s a criteria for governing a great country like Nigeria.

“It is on record that you, governor Bello remains the governor with the highest number of months of unpaid salaries and non performance despite the huge sums of both internal and federallygenerated revenues.

“We advise that you channel all your efforts into begging and praying for forgiveness for all the sufferings you have inflicted on the good people of Kogi state rather than eyeing presidency.”

The group also expressed confidence that the party would witness a successful transfer of power from one region to another at the polls in 2023, stating that the national leader of the APC, Bola Tinubu, remains the most qualified and competent candidate to take over from Buhari.

Afenifere leader, Adebanjo likens Buhari to Roman Emperor Nero over failed promises

By Musa Baba Adamu

T

he leader of Yoruba sociopolitical organisation, Afenifere, Ayo Adebanjo, has lambasted President Muhammadu Buhari’s attitude towards governance, saying he is acting like Roman Emperor Nero, who was sleeping while Rome was burning.

Adebanjo said Buhari was behaving like Roman Emperor Nero due to his inability to fulfill his campaign promises, even as

he accused the president of many anti-people policies.

In a statement signed by Afenifere’s spokesman, Jare Ajayi, Adebanjo said the President has failed to live up to the electoral promises of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

According to Adebanjo “This attitude on the part of President Buhari ‘recalls to one’s mind, the story of the Roman Emperor Nero who was busy on the fiddle when his empire was burning’.

“Afenifere not only called on

President Muhammadu Buhari to ‘redirect its administration adroitly, we advise his government to embrace democratic ethos immediately by pursuing only policies that are in the best interests of the people.”

He also re-emphasized the need to urgently restructure Nigeria.

“The only panacea to the various problems bedevilling the country now is for the federal government to shun nepotism, confront insecurity

and Restructure the country immediately.

“The administration of President Muhammadu Buhari has taken measures that were totally against the interests of the Nigerian populace.

“Contrary to the promises made during the electoral campaigns by the President and his party, the All Progressives Congress, the prices of commodities and services have skyrocketed while social services delivery and infrastructure kept receding,” he added.

Member, House of Representatives representing Kaduna South, Rep. Mukhtar Manrovia (2nd, R) assisted by the Registrar, Environmental Health Officers Registration Council of Nigeria, (EHORECON), Dr Baba Muhammed (R) while presenting a souvenir to a vendor, Sa’adatu Bello, during the EHORECON Training for 120 food vendors, in Kaduna on Sunday (22/8/21)

Enugu crisis: Ken Nnamani APC in the day, PDP at night – APC alleges

By Ikechukwu Okaforadi

T

he All Progressives Congress (APC) in Enugu State has accused former Senate President, Ken Nnamani, of displaying anti-party tendencies despite his claims of rejigging the party, even as it accused the party chieftain of being APC in the day and PDP in the night.

The party spoke in reply to Nnamani’s recent statement that he was committed to putting the APC into winning ways in Enugu State.

Nnamani had during a meeting with the APC ward congress appeal panel in Enugu on Friday said he was ashamed that the party was not winning elections in the State.

He declared that a process of rejigging the party had commenced.

He had said, ‘I feel ashamed of being in a party that does not win elections. That is why we want to

rejig the party to bring in leaders who will not use it for business.”

However, foundation members of the party in the State believe his alleged “romance with the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in the night and shout of APC in the day are anti-democratic tendencies which are at variance with his grandstanding speech and the much talked about rejigging of the APC.” In a statement made available to journalists in Enugu on Sunday, Kate Ofor, the Publicity Secretary of APC in the State, she said that the foundation legacy members of the APC in Enugu State “sincerely agree with the statement credited to Senator Ken Nnamani that, we want to rejig our great party – the APC; however we detest APC in the day and PDP in the night.

Offor, who spoke on behalf of the foundation legacy members of the APC, however, said they were at a loss “how those who not only

have ancient links with PDP, but had benefited immensely from PDP will muster the political will to ditch the party? Or can our big brother stop anti-democratic tendencies? Was he with APC during the last local government election? Accordingly, our grief and awesome worry is that we have seen newcomers shout APC in the day and embed with PDP in the night.”

The party spokesperson queried: “Otherwise, how do we reconcile Sen Nnamani anti-democratic tendencies of imposition of Chikwado Chukwunta without due process?

Did he forget that Dr Nwoye was duly appointed by the National Executive Committee and can only be removed by NEC? “How do we reconcile his recent endorsement of Chief Chiaka Oha, a prospective candidate of the PDP in a recent event? An event where Sen Nnamani praised Governor

Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi high heavens, the man he claims he wants to dislodge?

“If Oha becomes the candidate of PDP, can Senate Nnamani, who has ancient umbilical ties with Oha and PDP, in all honesty divorce himself from his dear Oha? A Chief going by his own account whom he brokered a deal for with Nuhu Ribadu, the then EFCC, chairman.

“Or can his alleged imposition of Chikwado Chukwunta, hence factionalisation of APC down the line win more votes for APC? “Or can APC win when Senator Ken Nnamani and co are intimidating the founder and landlords of the party in preference to the select few?”

On behalf of the APC, the spokesperson appealed to Mai Mala Buni-led Caretaker/ Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee (CECPC) to save the soul of APC Enugu State before it’s too late.

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PEOPLES DAILY, monday, august 23, 2021

POLITICS

Anambra guber: APGA inaugurates Soludo’s campaign council

By Christiana Ekpa

T

he All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) has inaugurated a 2021 Campaign Committee for Professor Charles Soludo.

Speaking while inaugurating the campaign committee at an event attended by thousands of APGA supporters held at Alex Ekwueme Square in Awka, Governor Willie Obiano, who doubles as the chairman of the event and the APGA Board of Trustees (BoT), applauded the Kano court judges on the right decision they reached and also expressed joy on the position the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) finally took by returning Professor Soludo and Dr Ibezim as the gubernatorial and deputy candidate respectively.

Obiano further thanked the

mammoth crowd for turning out en masse within a very short notice, assuring them that he was handing them over to a capable and competent hand who will improve on his legacies.

In his remarks at the event, Senator Victor Umeh, who is the chairman APGA reconciliation committee, assured the masses that distraction have been the modus operandi of APGA traducers but in all circumstances at the end, the party triumphs.

Umeh pleaded with the aggrieved members to come to the committee and lay their grievances and promised that it will be addressed as he has been doing since the inception of the committee.

He reaffirmed that APGA was handed over by Dim Odumegwu Ojukwu and it will not die in our hands and advised those

threatening to come and conquer Anambra state to face their states and solve the numerous crisis engulfing their states and leave Anambra state for Anambrarians.

The former federal lawmaker told them that every member of APGA is a member of the campaign committee in their own rights and advised them to work hard for the election and never to compromise, because, “victory for APGA is victory for all, and that it is only when APGA is on throne that they can lay their grievances”.

On his part, the National Chairman of APGA, Ozomkpu Victor Ike Oye, praised the judiciary generally for doing justice in all the courts the APGA traducers took him and the party to.

He appreciated the APGA faithful for keeping faith with the leadership of the party during

those trying times and assured them of an overwhelming victory at the polls in Nov 6th election.

Also, the state Chairman of the Party, Sir Nobert Obi, thanked and encouraged members to continue to be faithful that there is definitely light at the end of the tunnel.

Assuring of a robust campaign ahead the November election, the chairman of the campaign committee, Hon Chinedu Obidigwe eulogized the judiciary particularly Kano appeal court judges for asserting boldly the true position of the law without equivocation.

Obidigwe also eulogized INEC for doing the needful by removing the name of Chukwuma Umeoji and replacing it with that of Professor Charles Soludo and his deputy, Dr Ibezim.

Speaking further, the Secretary to the State Government (SSG),

Professor Soluchukwulobelu, reminded the masses the atrocities the previous political party committed when they were in governance in Anambra and advised those advocating for any other party outside APGA to have a rethink in the interest of Ndi Anambra.

The SSG also thanked the masses and agreed alongside others that Professor Charles Soludo and Dr Ibezim will do very well.

In his words of appreciation, Soludo thanked the thousands of party leaders, members and teeming supporters for their massive turnout.

Soludo thanked Governor Willie Obiano and Ndi Anambra for choosing him, and further assured the governor and the masses that he will not disappoint them.

Abia PDP clarifies position on lawmaker Onuigbo’s reason for decamping to APC

By Musa Baba Adamu

T

he Abia State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has chided the member representing the Ikwuano/Umuahia Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon Sam Onuigbo.

Recall that Onuigbo currently serving two terms in office had dumped the PDP for the All Progressive Congress (APC) in the state.

The federal lawmaker cited alleged denial of the opportunity to produce PDP ward executive members in the 2020 congress of the party in Ikwuano Local Government of the state by the National Organizing Secretary of the PDP-Col. Austin Akobundu (Rtd).

But refuting the alleged claim by Onuigbo as made in some media outfits, the State Publicity Secretary of the party, Hon Fabian Nwankwo, in a statement, called on the lawmaker to emulate the recent wise decision of one of the former foundation leaders of the APC in Abia State, Barr.

Ugochukwu Okeugo, and his numerous supporters by rejoining the PDP to guarantee success of his future political ambition.

Nwankwo maintained that against the wish of other PDP leaders from the same Ibere Ward II with the lawmaker, Onuigbo was allowed to singlehandedly produce 100 percent of the PDP ward executives but

was refrained by the constitution of the PDP from repeating the same process alone in the Ikwuano Local Government Congress of the party in which he challenged the outcome of the LG congress in court but lost the court verdict that he did not appeal against the judgment before he hurriedly defected to the APC. The PDP spokesman advised Onuigbo to put the record straight by telling the truth of how the 2020 ward and LG congresses were conducted in Ikwuano in order to avoid continuously misinforming the public, including the Governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike, into erroneous thinking that he was not given fair treatment by Col. Austin Akobundu and the party in the congresses whereas the actual fact emanated from Onuigbo over ambitious move to start the process of actualizing his third term bid in office contrary to the provisions of the constitution of the PDP. He further advised Onuigbo to soft paddle by returning to the PDP fold like his brother Barrister Ugochukwu Okeugo and his supporters for amicable settlement of the vexed issue to enable him join hands in supporting the progressive administration of Governor Okezie Ikpeazu and robust internal democracy being enjoyed in the State Chapter of the PDP under the Chairmanship of Rt. Hon Alwell Asiforo Okere.

Newly installed President, Rotary Club Yenagoa, Chief Victor Sam-Ateki, during the installation of the President in Onuopa Yenagoa, Bayelsa on Saturday.

Senator Ubah challenges Soludo to debate

By Ikechukwu Okaforadi

B

arely two months to the Anambra State Governorship Election, the candidate of the Young Progressives Party, (YPP) Senator Ifeanyi Ubah, has challenged Professor Charles Soludo of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) to a public debate.

Senator Ubah, who represents Anambra South senatorial district in the 9th Senate, called for the debate on Sunday in a statement, while reacting to Prof. Soludo’s claim concerning the governorship position in Anambra state.

Senator Ubah’s statement which was made available to Journalists on sunday, is titled, “Anambra2021: Senator Ifeanyi Ubah Challenges Prof. Soludo To Provide His Manifesto Within 48hours And A Public Debate Within 7 Days Of Presentation Of His Manifesto’.

Prof. Soludo on the other hand, had claimed that Anambra state was too sophisticated for a school certificate holder to aspire to govern, although INEC’s requirement for

such contest is a senior secondary school certificate (SSCE), either awarded by WAEC or NECO. According to Senator Ubah in his reaction, he confirmed to have “watched with keen interest, the mudslinging and needlessly disruptive comment made by Prof. Chukwuma Soludo of the All Progressives Grand Alliance to the effect that WAEC Certificate holders cannot govern Anambra State.

The statement issued by Senator Ubah, who has initiated several impactful bills in the senate, explained in detail the kind of Governance he wishes to offer his people in the South East Nigerian state.

“To the glory of God, having recently graduated with a 2.2 LL.B Hons from the Prestigious Baze University Abuja, by dint of hard work, I do not consider it necessary or feel the obsessive compulsion to flaunt my University Degree as it is not a prerequisite to contest for Governorship.

“Prof. Soludo’s statement is a game of misdirection which seeks to distract us from focusing on robust

policy arguments and constructive debates that will resolve the palpable crises of governance in Anambra State.

“I sincerely retain the belief that the era of ‘textbook grammatical grandstanding’ and theoretical politics is over in Anambra. Our people now want a leader with practicable ideas and dynamism to move the state forward. Ideas that will proffer sustainable solutions to the socio-economic problems beclouding the state due to bad governance brought to the fore by the present government.

“In this regard, I am challenging Prof. Soludo to an open public manifesto debate with me. Let us put our manifestos out before the court of public opinion and adjudication so as to let the people decide their preferred candidate whose agenda resonates with the layman and electorate.”

“Elections and the debates that follow should be solely focused on issues that will be beneficial to the electorate, not about throwing everything, including the kitchen sink at each other”.

PAGE 18

NEWS

PEOPLES DAILY, monday, august 23, 2021

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PEOPLES DAILY, monday, august 23, 2021

CBN bars Microfinance Banks from FX Transactions, Wholesale Banking, Others

By Etuka Sunday

T

he Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has barred Microfinance Banks from foreign exchange transactions and other non-permissible activities.

A circular by Ibrahim Tukur for the Financial Policy and Regulation Department of CBN said, it has observed the activities of some Microfinance Banks

(MFBs) that have gone beyond the remit of their operating licenses by engaging in non-permissible activities especially wholesale banking, foreign exchange transactions and others.

It said, “given the comparatively low capitalization of MFBs, dealing in wholesale and/ or foreign exchange transactions are a significant risk with dire consequences for financial system

stability.

“It has therefore become imperative to remind all N/1FBs to strictly comply with the extant Revised Regulatory and Supervisory Guidelines for Microfinance Banks in Nigeria 2012 (the Guidelines).

“For the avoidance of doubt and consistent with the permissible activities of specialized microinstitutions:

l. MFBs are strictly prohibited from foreign exchange transactions.

2. MFBs are to primarily focus on providing financial services to retail and/or microclients.

3. Micro credit and retail transactions carried out by MFBs are limited to N500,000 per transaction for Tier 2 Unit MFBs and 1,000,000 for other categories.

4. Micro credit facilities shall constitute a minimum of 80 per cent of total loans portfolio for MFBs. “The CBN will continue to monitor developments in the MFB sector and apply severe regulatory sanctions for breaches of extant regulations, including revoking the license of non-compliant MFBs (in line with Section 19 of the Guidelines)”, the circular said.

NARTO, Dangote Refinery Collaborate on Efficient Products Distribution

R

oad Transport owners across Nigeria have expressed optimism that the 650,000 barrels-per-day Dangote Petroleum Refinery would deepen the downstream sector and positively impact their businesses.

The transporters, under the aegis of Nigerian Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO) after a guided tour of the refinery Plant in Ibeju-Lekki area of Lagos, said they had no doubt that the project would generally accelerate the development of Nigeria’s oil and gas sector; just as they also expressed the willingness to play a good role in the distribution of refined products from Dangote refinery when it starts operations.

The NARTO leaders commended the President of Dangote Industries Limited, Aliko Dangote for his huge investment in petroleum refining and making the country one of the potential top refiners of petroleum in the world.

Speaking after a tour of the refinery project, President of NARTO, Alhaji Lawal Yusuf Othman, described Aliko Dangote as a trailblazer in the nation’s industrial development, whose contributions to economic development of the nation have helped in reducing unemployment and alleviating poverty.

Othman expressed satisfaction over the quality of construction materials being used for the refinery, saying; “We are impressed with the massive project which has been regarded as the largest single train refinery in the world. The quality of the

machines, the size of the refinery, and the quality of the work is of international standard. We are also very happy that there is a plan to construct the road from the refinery down to around Ijebu-Ode. The road construction is going to decongest the roads and make it easy for us to do our business,” he added.

To encourage more players in the downstream sector, the NARTO President emphasised the need for government to deregulate the downstream oil and gas sector fast.

“Many people are not refining because the sector is still regulated. It is difficult to invest billions of dollars into a sector, where prices are determined by government. Deregulation will encourage more players into the downstream sector. When there is full deregulation, government does not neved to force anybody to invest in the sector. Deregulation will attract foreign and local investment in the sector,” he added.

Othman said members of NARTO have been given the necessary assurance that their businesses are going to be protected when the refinery comes on-stream under the Petroleum Industry Act. He stated, “We came on a tour of Dangote Refinery to assess the level of construction work going on at the site and also to reassure our members that the refinery is going to have positive impact on their business, most especially with the signing into law of the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB).

“It is expected that there is going to be full deregulation of Nigeria’s downstream oil and gas sector. At the same time, we hope in the coming months, the Dangote Refinery will come into operation.

“As at today, imported petroleum product is distributed across the country through road by our members. We thought that now that Dangote Refinery is coming on stream, the company might be interested in selfdistribution of the products across

the country without involving us.

However, we have been told that the products will be distributed through the depots. So, we will partner Dangote refinery for ease of products distribution across the country “We have been assured that 70 per cent of the refined products will be transported through the sea, while 30 per cent will be by trucking. Although, the company has a gantry with a loading capacity of about 2,000 trucks per day, we have been assured that

Dangote does not have interest in the retail of petroleum products.

“We are certain beyond reasonable doubt that our businesses are going to continue in the downstream sector. Of course, Dangote Refinery is going to produce and distribute through the sea and allow those of us who are into retailing to continue with our business. Now, most of our members have the fear that Dangote may go into retailing and distribution of products,” he added.

L-R: Honourable Minister of Finance - Mrs Zainab Ahmed Shamsuna, President/ Chairman of Council, Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers - Mr Olatunde Amolegbe FCS, Honourable Minister of Industry Trade and Investment - Otunba Niyi Adebayo and Mrs Ojone Kabir, Member, CIS National Workshop Organising Committee, during the Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers Annual Conference, recently in Abuja.

FAAC: FG, States, LGs share N760.717bn as revenue for July

By Etuka Sunday

T

he Federation Accounts Allocation Committee (FAAC) has shared a total of N760.717 Billion July 2021 Federation Account Revenue to the Federal, States and Local Governments Councils.

This was contained in a communiqué issued at the end of the virtual meeting of the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) for August 2021.

The N760.717 billion total distributable revenue comprised distributable statutory revenue of N617.705 billion; distributable

Value Added Tax (VAT) revenue of N140.555 billion and Exchange Gain of N2.457 billion.

In July 2021, the sum of N63.501billion was the total deductions for cost of collection, statutory transfers and refunds.

The balance in the Excess Crude Account (ECA) was $60.855 million.

The communiqué confirmed that from the total distributable revenue of N760.717 billion; the Federal Government received N321.226 billion, the State Governments received N222.514 billion, and the Local Government Councils received N166.562 billion. The sum of N50.415 billion

was shared to the relevant States as 13% derivation revenue.

Director, Information, Press and Public Relations, OAGF, Henshaw Ogubike in a statement said, the distributable statutory revenue of N617.705 billion was available for the month. From this, the Federal Government received N299.004 billion, the State Governments received N151.659 billion and the Local Government Councils received N116.922 billion. The sum of N50.120 billion was given to the relevant States as 13% derivation revenue.

In the month of July 2021, the gross revenue available from the Value Added Tax (VAT)

was N151.134 billion. This was lower than the N154.465 billion available in the month of June

by N3.331billion. The sum of N4.534 billion allocation to NEDC and N6.045 billion cost of revenue collection were deducted from the N151.134 billion gross Value Added Tax (VAT) revenue, resulting in the distributable Value Added Tax (VAT) revenue of N140.555billion.

From the N140.555 billion distributable Value Added Tax (VAT) revenue, the Federal Government received N21.083 billion, the State Governments received N70.278 billion and the Local Government Councils

received N49.194 billion.

The Federal Government received N1.139 billion from the total Exchange Gain revenue of N2.457 billion. The State Governments receive N0.578 billion, the Local Government Councils received N0.445 billion and N0.295 billion was given to the relevant States as 13% derivation revenue.

According to the Communiqué, in the month of July 2021, Petroleum Profit Tax (PPT), Companies Income Tax (CIT), Oil and Gas Royalties recorded significant decreases while Value Added Tax (VAT) Import and Excise Duty decreased marginally.

PEOPLES DAILY, monday, august 23, 2021

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BU$IN€SS

FG targets 4m meters for 2nd phase of Mass Metering Program

By Etuka Sunday

T

he Federal government of Nigeria has concluded arrangements for the commencement of the 2nd phase of its metering program tagged National Mass Metering Program which it expects to drastically reduce estimated billing by DISCOs, that will ensure consumers are billed appropriately for the electricity they consume by installing meters free of charge in household and business premises that are currently unmetered.

The Federal Government provided funding for the program through loans from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to DISCOs. Meters are provided to customers free of charge. This is indeed unprecedented and has so far led to the tremendous success recorded so far.

It will be recalled that the 1st phase (Phase 0) was launched later than expected in December 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic, with a target of 1million meters across the country. Till date, 750,000 meters have been delivered to DISCOs in just under 8 months.

This is a marked improvement in terms of the speed of installation of meters compared to its predecessor (Meter Asset Provider - MAP program) which recorded 350,000 meter installations in just over 18 months. Essentially the Nigerian Meter Industry has increased local installation capacity by a multiple of 5.

In preparation for the Second Phase (known as Phase

1) of the NMMP, the Nigerian electricity sector regulator, NERC, has conducted extensive consultations and stakeholder management, and has revised its metering guidelines. This phase will provide up to 4 million meters and shall also use a similar financing mechanism as phase 0.

One of the key successes of the NMMP initiative is how rapidly it has increased private sector interest in investing the local meter assembly, manufacturing and installation space. In addition to the springing up of new

factories such as the Quantum meter assembly plant in Lagos and the Smart Meter assembly plant in Kaduna, We are also seeing the refurbishment and upgrade of some metering plants that had been also fallen into disrepair such as EMCON in Kaduna.

This development in the meter assembly space is driven by the Central Bank’s commitment to support local meter assembly/ manufacturing as only local companies will be allowed to participate in the bidding process for the upcoming phase

of the program. This promises to increase the job creation impact of the program which has already attained appreciable heights with over 10,000 direct jobs created as a result of the phase 0 of the program.

For phase 1, a central procurement mechanism to be overseen and supervised by NERC will be employed in order to ensure that meters are secured at the lowest possible cost, thereby reaching the goals and objectives of the NMMP. The commencement of the

procurement process of Phase 1 has been done strategically to ensure that there is no gap in meter supply to customers as the NMMP transitions from Phase 0 to Phase 1.

The Minister of Power has emphasized the administration’s commitment to eliminate the metering gap by 2023.

The continuation of the NMMP is in line with the FGN’s agreements with Organised Labour (NLC and TUC) on Electricity sector reform.

The Executive Secretary of the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI), Dr. Orji Ogbonnaya Orji has appealed to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Godfrey Onyeama to take necessary measures to link EITI implementation on natural resource governance to Nigeria’s foreign policy.

Head, Communications and Advocacy, NEITI, Obiageli Onuorah in a statement quoted the Executive Secretary, to have made the appeal when he visited the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr Geoffrey Onyeama on a courtesy visit in Abuja.

According to Dr. Orji, “We are a member of the global EITI operating in 55 Member Countries. We are aware that Nigeria has missions and embassies in most of these member countries. It is important that we work closely with the Ministry of foreign Affairs to ensure that our Ambassadors and High Commissions around the world are fully informed and briefed about NEITI’s leading

Plateau killings: How Abuja indigenous group evacuated 446 FCT Students from Jos

By Stanley Onyekwere=

T

The Executive Secretary of NEITI, Orji Ogbonnaya Orji and the Honourable Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr Geoffrey Onyeama during the courtesy visit to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs recently, in Abuja.

NEITI appeals for linkage of EITI in Nigeria to Foreign Policy

By Etuka Sunday

PEOPLES DAILY, monday, august 23, 2021

role at the global EITI and on natural resource governance”.

Dr. Orji said that “At the moment, NEITI is concerned that huge information gaps exist between its leading role in natural resource governance under the EITI framework and Nigerian foreign missions.

“Nigeria is chair of the global network on contract transparency comprising of twenty countries among them Mexico, Philippines and Ghana. We were selected as one of the pilot countries on beneficial ownership, contract transparency, open data as well as on energy transition and open extractives”, he explained.

The honour to Nigeria to lead on these global reform initiatives as a result of the work NEITI is doing which should be marketed at our diplomatic missions around the world to enhance Nigeria’s global ratings has implications on foreign direct investments into the country.

Dr. Orji pointed out that these issues are currently shaping diplomatic engagements among countries

globally and working together with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to sensitise our diplomatic missions, will support Nigeria to uphold and maintain its leading roles on these issues.

The Executive Secretary reminded the Minister of President Buhari’s commitments at the London anti-corruption summit.

These commitments he observed, also have diplomatic dimensions to EITI global implementation.

“We therefore request for a special desk at the ministry of foreign affairs for closer briefings and engagements on these issues. We expect our foreign missions to be abreast of EITI so they can provide the needed support at the international level and brief the ministry appropriately on developments”, Dr. Orji stated.

According to the transparency boss, “NEITI will also want to contribute more to government’s engagements on these issues given our depth of knowledge of the sector and NEITI’s global reputation on

availability of information and data.

He commended the Minister on “The excellent foreign initiatives being driven and relations maintained by the ministry on behalf of our country around the world” adding that NEITI is prepared to “work with the ministry to ensure that the gaps where they exist are closed.”

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Geoffrey Onyeama welcomed the new partnership stating that NEITI’s visit is timely. “We see you as a very important partner in show-casing Nigeria’s global leadership on natural resource governance”.

The Minister noted that “Mr. President, as the African Union AntiCorruption Champion has pushed for African governments to be aware of the dangers of illicit financial flows and its drain on Africa’s resources.

NEITI therefore has very important mandates and roles to play in building the environment and the framework for transparency in beneficial ownerships of

natural resources and also in the collection of revenue and taxes from the sector”.

He stated that “NEITI and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will support each other.

Nigeria has been involved and has invested a lot in the global efforts to monitor and prevent illicit financial flows. If we can capture much of these resources, it will accelerate the development of Nigeria and Africa.

Mr Onyeama gave assurances that the information gap between NEITI-EITI implementation in Nigeria and his ministry would be adequately addressed.

The Foreign Affairs Minister and the NEITI Executive Secretary both expressed hope and confidence on the new relationship and partnership.

“We are encouraged that this partnership will lead to greater synergy, collaboration and cooperation in the exchange of information and data to ensure that at all times Nigeria speaks to what we have done which is globally recognized within the global EITI”.

he Indigenous organisation under the auspices of Abuja Original Youths Empowerment Organisation (AOIYEO), in collaboration with National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) and Abuja Indigenous Students Association (AISA), have evacuated 446 students, who are natives and residents of Abuja from Jos, Plateau state.

The President of AOIYEO, Commandant, Isaac David, who disclosed this while speaking with journalists in Abuja, said the evacuation of the students was necessary, in order to prevent death of indigenes and residents of Abuja in Jos. David revealed that all the buses sent to convey the students from their various schools in Plateau state brought them back to Abuja safely.

“As FCT natives, we have to carry out our civic responsibilities as indigenous organisation, with the little resources at our disposal and achieved major result.

“Although, previous government has made people to believe that the FCT is just the city at the expense of over 858 villages in remote areas.

“Many people should understand that FCT indigenous students studying in Jos are from various local communities that make up the entire 858 community in FCT. “Our citizens studying in Plateau state were stranded in the area as a result of the curfew imposed on some local government areas by the state government. It was as a measure to curtail the security situation in the state.

“We closely monitored the situation and we collaborated with National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) and Abuja Indigenous Students Association (AISA) to ensure the safe evacuation of our citizens and it became achievable,” he stressed.

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FCT Police nabs suspected firearms supplier, armed robbers

By Stanley Onyekwere

T

he FCT Police Command has disclosed tze arrest of one Matthew Vaaswem ‘m’ 30years, who is suspected to be supplying firearms to suspected kidnap syndicates operating along Tungan Maje in the Territory, and Gawu axis of Niger State.

According to the Police, the suspect who confessed to the crime was arrested at TipperGarage, Gwagwalada by eagleeyed operatives of Gwagwalada Division.

This was revealed in a press release by the Police Public Relations Officer,

... 3 kidnap victims rescued for: the Commissioner of Police, which was made available at the weekend to PeoplesDaily.

The statement noted that preliminary investigation reveals that, the suspect, who was arrested last week’s Monday, belongs to a gun-running syndicate, adding that effort is in top gear to arrest other fleeing suspects.

It added that exhibits recovered from the suspect were: two (2) single barrel dane guns and two (2) locally fabricated short guns.

In related development, the

Police also disclosed that on Thursday 19th August, 2021 operatives of the Command’s Anti-Kidnapping Squad in a Joint Operation with Vigilantes and Hunters rescued three(3) hostages along Sabon Gari and Shapete Villages of Kwali axis.

“The victims who were taken hostage by armed men in the wee hours of Thursday were rescued during the joint operation.

“The victims rescued are: Amina Ahmadu ‘f’ 20years, Furaira Yahaya ‘f’ 27years and Jahori Umaru ‘m’ 35years,” the

statement explained.

It further revealed that Police Operatives from Gwagwa Division arrested three (3) suspected armed robber in the area.

It adds: “the suspects are: one Idris Ibrahim, 21years, Adamu Husseini 19 years and Mohammed Hassan 19 years, all male met their waterloo while attempting to break into their victims residence in Gwagwa.

“They further confessed to being responsible for terrorizing Gwagwa axis. Exhibits recovered includes: one (1) cutlass.

“The suspects will be arraigned in court upon conclusion of investigations”.

Son of the President, Yusuf Buhari and his wife, Zahra during a Luncheon to conclude their wedding ceremony at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Sunday (22/8/2021)

Latter-Day Saints, AEPB clean up Wuse

M

embers of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, at the weekend carried out cleaning exercise in some streets of Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), as part of activities of the ‘All Africa Service Project’, an initiative of the church.

In particular, members from the ten units in the Abuja Wuse Stake early Saturday morning converged at the Stake Center in Wuse Zone 5 for prayers after which they grouped themselves

and moved with their cleaning equipment to site, which is from the beginning of the Accra street, Zone 5 to the end of the street.

Our correspondent reports that the church carried out the cleaning exercise, in partnership with the officials of Abuja Environmental Protection Board (AEPB).

They were seen sweeping the walk paths, picking litters, debris from the gutters, unclogging clogged drainages, gathering the dirt, heaping

the garbage bags while the ARPB officials were on ground with their truck to pick up the garbage for proper disposal.

Also, it was observed that members used weeds and pesticide gallons to spray on the weeds along the street.

The cleaning activity lasted for three hours (9am to 12 noon), after which members converged again for benediction and dispersed to their various homes.

The Wuse Stake President, President Victor Chikezie Eze,

presiding in the activity, while his 1st Councillor, President Michael Uwaya, conducted the affairs of the activity.

They explained that: “On the 21st of August, the Abuja Wuse Stake members of the church joined their fellow saints and members in Africa to go all out extending a service activity to their community.

“It was indeed an eventful and fulfilling one for members unto adhering to the principle of “service and sacrifice”.

PEOPLES DAILY, monday, august 23, 2021

Page 22

world news

N international_peoplesdailyng@yahoo.com

Afghanistan: US orders civilian jets to join evacuation

T

he US has enlisted commercial planes to help with the evacuation of people from Afghanistan.

A Pentagon statement said the 18 aircraft would not fly to Kabul, but would instead help move people transiting in third countries.

Many thousands of Afghans are crowded outside Kabul airport, desperate to flee the country after the Taliban swept to power last week.

At least 20 people have died, a Nato official told Reuters news agency.

But reports suggest the scene is calmer on Sunday than in previous days.

UK armed forces minister James Heappey said the Taliban were now marshalling people into queues at Hamid Karzai International Airport, making the process faster for those hoping to leave.

The UK has airlifted out more than 1,700 people in the past 24 hours, he said, as the situation had improved.

The day before, Sky News’s chief correspondent Stuart Ramsay said that people at the front of the crowd of thousands outside the airport were being “crushed to death”, with British soldiers pulling those in most danger from the throng.

Mobilising the civilian air fleet On Sunday, the US Department of Defense announced the activation of the Civil Reserve Air Fleet (CRAF) to help with the evacuation.

This allows the US to mobilise civilian airlines to help in an emergency. It was last used ahead

Thousands of Afghans are trying to fly out of Afghanistan after the Taliban takeover of, and during, the US invasion of Iraq in 2003 and the Gulf War of 1990-1991.

According to the statement, the level one activation is for 18 planes: four from United Airlines; three each from American Airlines, Atlas Air, Delta Air Lines and Omni Air; and two from Hawaiian Airlines.

“Activating CRAF increases passenger movement beyond organic capability and allows military aircraft to focus on operations in and out of Kabul,” it read.

The news comes as White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan announced there were still several thousand US citizens thought to be in Afghanistan.

Speaking to CNN’s State of the Union programme on Sunday, Mr

Sullivan said he could not give a precise number, but noted that work was continuing to evacuate them.

Mr Sullivan also described the

threat of attacks by the Islamic State group against the airport as “real” and “acute”.

Taliban official Amir Khan Mutaqi meanwhile has blamed

The civilian aircraft will help the US military with their evacuations

the US for the “evacuation drama” at the airport.

On Sunday, Mr Mutaqi also addressed potential dissatisfaction within Taliban ranks, arguing that “certain decisions are made in the longterm interest” of the movement and its role in Afghanistan.

He said that the Taliban were in talks with “all factions” to reach an agreement on a future government.

Johnson calls G7 talks The Taliban’s swift takeover of Afghanistan has shocked its people and the world.

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson has called an urgent meeting for Tuesday of the leaders of the G7 - the world’s seven largest so-called advanced economies.

“It is vital that the international community works together to ensure safe evacuations, prevent a humanitarian crisis and support the Afghan people to secure the gains of the last 20 years,” he tweeted.

Former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair, meanwhile, has harshly criticised the US withdrawal from Afghanistan.

“You look round the world and the only people really cheering this decision are the people hostile to Western interests,” he said.

The US plans a full withdrawal of its troops from Afghanistan on 31 August.

Several allied nations including the UK - are calling for this deadline to be extended amid the ongoing evacuation, as US soldiers are currently controlling the airport.

E China’s Jiangxi reaps benefits of green development

By Zhu Lei, People’s Daily

A

s east China’s Jiangxi province has pushed ahead green development, Nanliao River, which originates in Fengxin county, Yichun city of the province, has become much clearer. Birds flitter over the river frequently, and people are often seen angling leisurely by the river.

Many reaches of the Liaohe River, whose main stream is Nanliao River, have seen their water quality climb by two levels to the third highest grade in China’s five-tier water quality system and become hospitable for fish and shrimp over the past five years, said Yi Deming, secretary of the Communist Party of China committee in Chi’an township, Fengxin county. Yi has also been designated as the steward, or “chief” of a section of the Liaohe River under China’s river chief scheme launched to combat water pollution.

The implementation of policies on ecological and environmental protection is a key factor behind the

improving ecological environment of the Liaohe River, according to Yi, who patrols his section of the river every day.

“After China carried out the scheme to appoint government officials as river chiefs, breeding bases, sand quarries, and chemical plants near the river have gradually been shut down,” Yi said, adding that over 50 sand quarries have been removed.

To maintain water quality, Jiangxi province, which is home to more than 2,400 rivers, has continuously explored a longterm governance mechanism that encourages areas in river basins to share both the costs of and benefits in improving water quality and join hands to control water pollution.

As of the end of 2020, over 80 percent of the county-level areas in Jiangxi had established a horizontal ecological protection compensation system, which uses financial incentives to promote ecological protection, and 90 horizontal ecological protection compensation agreements concerning river basins had been

signed across the province. In this way, the province has basically formed a river governance pattern that features the collaboration of upstream and downstream areas.

Chen Hepeng, a worker at Yadong ecological park in Ruichang city, a county-level city of Jiujiang city, Jiangxi province, has witnessed how the ecological park, which covers an area of over 10 hectares, has transformed from a mining area into a beautiful ecological park where a wide variety of vegetables flourish.

“There was nothing on this land before. In the past, dust would swirl in the air whenever a car passed, and the whole place would be dotted with puddles in rainy days,” recalled Chen who used to collect earth in the mining area.

Since 2017, Yadong cement plant, owner of the mining area, invested over 55 million yuan ($8.46 million) in several ecofriendly projects, including the construction of the ecological park and a smart mine, significantly simplifying the collection of earth.

Chen, who was really concerned

PEOPLES DAILY, monday, august 23, 2021

that he might be left jobless at first, became a gardener at the ecological park in January 2018.

Today, the once excessively exploited mountains are covered with trees, mining practice in the area becomes safe, green and efficient after closed-off management, and the introduction of level-settling pond helps the smart mine realize conservation of water and soil, sand cleaning, recycling of water, and zero discharge of wastewater.

Changes in the minin area epitomize the fruits of the endeavor of Jiujiang city, a pillar of mining industry in Jiangxi, to build green mines with the mindset of systemic governance.

In a bid to set up an overall ecological barrier, Jiangxi has comprehensively implemented afforestation, forest quality improvement, wetland protection and restoration, among other major projects, according to Xiao Lisheng, head of the ecological civilization division of the Jiangxi Development and Reform Commission, who added that the

province treated and restored about 5,000 hectares of wetlands between 2016 and 2020.

In 2016, Jiangxi was listed as one of the first batch of national pilot zones for ecological conservation in China.

The province has so far completed all of its temporary tasks as a pilot zone. It has been among the frontrunners in the country in protecting and restoring mountains, rivers, forests, farmlands, lakes, grasslands, and improving deserts, implementing ecological protection compensation, and pushing ahead systems of river, lake and forest chiefs. 35 items of the province’s reform fruits have been promoted across China.

Last year, Jiangxi’s forest coverage rate was maintained at 63.1 percent, and the share of good air quality days in the province reached 94.7 percent. Meanwhile, 96 percent of the province’s surface water sections monitored by the state showed excellent and good quality, and the quality of all its surface water sections monitored reached or exceeded Class .

e w s

F

Chad withdraws half its anti-jihadist force

T

he government in Chad has said it is halving the number of soldiers deployed to an international force fighting Islamist militants in the Sahel region.

Since 2017, 1,200 Chadian troops have been deployed to the G5 Sahel force.

Despite the ongoing violence France recently announced it was cutting its military presence in the region from around 5,000 to a maximum of 3,000 troops.

A spokesman for the Chadian government described the troop withdrawal as a strategic move and said the country remained committed to fighting Islamist militants.

“We need a mobile force, hence the withdrawal of some of our forces with heavy weapons,” Abderaman Koulamallah told the AFP news agency.

Of the five nations that contribute to the G5 Sahel force, the soldiers from Chad are seen as some of the most battle-hardened and effective.

But the regional mission has been hampered by logistical challenges and a lack of equipment.

The decision to halve the number of Chadian soldiers comes at a worrying time for the region.

The attacks by jihadists linked to alQaeda and the Islamic State group are relentless.

The latest on Friday night left at least 17 civilians dead in western Niger.

Kenyan blogger held over misinformation leaves Qatar

A

Kenyan man is reported to have been allowed to leave Qatar after earlier being detained on charges of receiving money to spread misinformation.

A migrant rights group says that Malcolm Bidali - a security guard who blogged critically about the conditions of foreign workers in Qatar - paid a hefty fine before leaving the country on Monday.

Charges against him have reportedly been dropped.

Human rights groups said Mr Bidali was held for three weeks in solitary confinement before being released in June.

The treatment of migrant workers in Qatar has attracted global attention in the run-up to the 2022 football World Cup, which the country is hosting.

Ethiopia plans to launch Facebook rival

E

thiopia says it plans to develop its own social media platforms after accusing global companies like Facebook of acting against the interests of the country.

The director of the government’s Information Network Security Agency, Shumete Gizaw, told local media that Facebook and Twitter had become instruments for political forces.

He criticised the fact that some accounts had been blocked and content removed.

Ahead of elections in June, Facebook said it had removed a network of fake accounts that were linked to the government agency that is responsible for monitoring telecommunications and the internet.

Mr Shumete also said Ethiopia was developing platforms that can substitute the messaging programme WhatsApp and the video conferencing platform Zoom.

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f r i c a

Ever Given: Cargo ship returns through Suez Canal it blocked

T

he huge container ship that blocked the Suez Canal in March - disrupting global trade - has passed back through the waterway without incident.

The Ever Given was among a convoy of vessels sailing from the Mediterranean Sea to the Red Sea, the Suez Canal Authority (SCA) said.

It had been offloading its cargo in Europe and is now en route to Asia.

The ship was refloated after a major sixday salvage operation that led to the death of one person.

It was then impounded for three months near the canal city of Ismailia while a compensation deal was agreed between Egypt and the Ever Given’s owners.

The SCA, in a series of tweets, said the Ever Given was escorted through the 193km (120-mile) canal by two tugboats and senior SCA guides.

It was one of 26 ships that travelled from north to south through the canal on Friday, while 36 ships sailed in the opposite direction, the SCA added, hailing the waterway as the “shortest and fastest navigational route linking the east with the west”.

The Ever Given, one of the world’s largest container ships, had been delivering

The Ever Given, part of the Evergreen fleet, was impounded for three months after its release its 18,300 containers to Rotterdam, Felixstowe and Hamburg and is now travelling to China.

A satellite photograph reveals how the Ever Given was wedged across the canal The 400m-long (1,312ft) ship became wedged across the canal after running aground amid high winds on 23 March, blocking it for hundreds of ships and

disrupting global trade.

Following its release, the SCA sought compensation for the Ever Given’s Japanese owner Shoei Kisen for the cost of the salvage operation, damage to the canal’s banks and other losses.

The terms of the deal were not disclosed but Egypt had eventually settled on a $550m (£397m) demand.

Formerly homeless asylum seeker retrains as vicar

By Jeremy Ball & Greig Watson

A

former asylum seeking doctor is to retrain as a vicar in the hope of helping others.

Edith Iheama came to the UK from Nigeria and fought for 10 years to remain in the country in a process she said made her feel “worthless”.

Now settled in Nottinghamshire, Dr Iheama said she wants to work “with people who need hope”.

The Rev James Halstead said he believed Dr Iheama would play a “powerful role” within the church.

‘Dehumanised’ Dr Iheama, who was a qualified hospital doctor in Nigeria, came to the UK in 2008 and gained an MA in 2010.

She decided to try to remain in the UK due to fears her daughters were at risk of female genital mutilation (FGM).

FGM is still practised in Nigeria, although figures suggest it is declining.

After claiming asylum Dr Iheama was not allowed to work while her claim was being considered.

During this time she and her three daughters were left homeless, moving from hotel to hotel and even being housed in a vicarage.

“You feel so worthless; you are ashamed,” she said.

“You feel debased and dehumanised.

“My children’s head teacher was actually giving us food packs.

“It got to the extent that I couldn’t even tell anyone that I am a trained medical doctor because I was not allowed to practise.”

Since gaining permission to stay in 2018, Dr Iheama has sent up a community interest company, Vanclaron, to support those in the asylum process.

Her family now have a home in the village of Keyworth and one of her daughters has secured a place to study law at Cambridge University.

Already a lay-preacher, Dr Iheama has now been made an ordinand, the first step in training to be a vicar.

“I think everything I have been through will mean I can relate and empathise with people that need that hope,” she said.

“I went as low as I possibly could. The only thing that kept me sane was my faith, knowing I am loved by God.

Edith Iheama said 10 years of fighting to remain in the UK left her feeling “worthless” and “ashamed”

Edith Iheama is now training to be a vicar “I was stripped of every other identity.”

The Rev James Halstead, who oversaw Dr Iheama’s lay ministry training within the diocese of Southwell and Nottingham, said: “I’m convinced she has a particular and powerful role to play in the ongoing mission of the church.

“Edith’s church background is

tremendously diverse - both in Nigeria and the UK - all of which she uses wisely in her pastoral connections, as well as in her ministry through her paid employment.

“She is already exercising leadership both in the church and in the secular world.”

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PEOPLES DAILY, monday, august 23, 2021

E China’s Hangzhou establishes ‘time bank’ to explore mutual-aid volunteer services

By Dou Hanyang, People’s Daily

“

Time bank”, an online platform that allows people to “deposit” the time they spend providing volunteer services and “withdraw” it when they need help, has helped Hangzhou, capital of east China’s Zhejiang province, solve problems in people’s life and promote mutual aid between neighbors.

As an innovative model of mutual-aid volunteer service explored by Hangzhou, “time bank” represents a typical example of the city’s efforts to employ data resources and scientific and technological means in facilitating primarylevel governance.

The “time bank” platform is in fact a part of the comprehensive digital platform of a locally developed app that provides citizens with local news, information, and services for government affairs and life. Users of the app can post information about their request for help at the “time bank” section of the app, and then receive services from community volunteers. “‘Time bank’ is great. It has not only solved my problems in life, but brought me closer to my neighbors,” said a senior citizen surnamed Wang, who has benefited from the platform.

More than a month ago, Wang, a resident in Fuyuanxincun village, Jiangcun subdistrict, Xihu district of Hangzhou, had to live alone after his wife was hospitalized. His daughter Wang

A volunteer chats with a centenarian at an elderly care service station in a community of Shapingba district, southwest China’s Chongqing municipality, Oct. 16, 2020. (Photo by Zhao Jiechang/People’s Daily Online) Xiuzhi needed to stay with her shot and made a request on the him during the following days.

The “time bank” model mother in hospital and was platform, hoping to find someone has promoted and facilitated worried that her father might to help take care of her father.

The special “order” for help mutual aid between residents in have difficulty taking care of himself. When a typhoon hit the was immediately received by Jiangcun subdistrict, according city, she was extremely anxious Ma Jun, a resident who lives in to Yan Chao, secretary of the the village where Wang Xiuzhi’s working committee of the about her father’s safety.

As Wang Xiuzhi was at her father lives. On the evening of Communist Party of China (CPC) wit’s end, a staff member of the day when he received the in the subdistrict.

In the past, residents in the the management committee “order”, Ma went to the senior of Jiangcun subdistrict neighbor’s home with a warm subdistrict could only provide recommended “time bank” to meal, and promised that he and receive volunteer services in her. She decided to give it a would continuously look after activities organized by residential

communities, said Yan, adding that now they can receive “order” for volunteer services online, which is much more flexible and convenient.

Since the “time bank” platform was launched in April this year, 356 volunteers from the Fuyuanxincun village have completed more than 1,680 online “orders” for volunteer services, according to Yan. The comprehensive digital platform the “time bank” is based on is able to gather data from over 40,000 sources of resources in eight fields from government departments at various levels, including healthcare services, fitness and sports services, and volunteer services, Yan said.

The digital platform displays data collected from activities and services in a real-time manner, and receives feedback on activities and responses to needs, thus realizing communication and sharing of data, Yan noted.

The new grassroots governance model of Xihu district has connected online digital platform with residential communities, said Li Shengquan, president of the council of urban construction and management association of Zhejiang province.

By leveraging digital technologies, the new model has enabled residents to show their loving care for each other through volunteer services, realizing combination of services for people’s livelihood and efforts to promote social civilization, Li noted.

Integration of 5G technology into industrial Internet further drives digitalization of companies

By Wang Zheng, Gu Yekai, People’s Daily

T

hanks to the introduction of 5G unmanned bridge cranes, Tian Liang, who has been a bridge crane driver at China’s large steel enterprise HBIS Group Tangsteel Company for 20 years, doesn’t need to endure high-intensity work in harsh working conditions anymore.

“I used to sit in the crane cab for eight hours a day and barely had time to go to the bathroom,” Tian recalled, describing his previous working conditions and tasks as high-temperature, highaltitude, and high-intensity.

Since his company introduced 5G equipment, work of Tian and his colleagues has undergone huge changes.

Today, they are able to control bridge cranes accurately and remotely in a clean and quiet operation room with the help of high-definition cameras and display screens. The old days when they had to “climb up to and down from the crane cab that is cold in winter and hot in summer” are long behind them.

“During the first four months

of this year, our 5G unmanned bridge cranes performed tasks for 73,500 times and transported 1.4 million tons of goods, a year-onyear increase of 25 percent,” said Li Renlong, an executive with a high-strength automotive steel sheet manufacturing subsidiary of HBIS Group Tangsteel Company, adding that during the period, no damage to goods had occurred during lifting operations of the automatic bridge cranes, and that their utilization efficiency exceeded 95 percent and failure rate dropped by 21 percent.

The 5G unmanned bridge cranes have enabled the manufacturer to increase its daily shipments by 1,305 tons and its annual economic benefits by nearly 10 million yuan ($1.54 million), according to Li. Besides to the field of unmanned bridge cranes, 5G network is bringing many more other positive factors for innovation to iron and steel industry. The synergy formed by technologies in such fields as 5G network, AI, big data and cloud computing has turned each production line into a large smart robot, achieving automation in almost all production links, from

material transportation, blast furnace ironmaking to loading of products, noted Guo Liang, director of the information and metrology department of Shougang Jingtang United Iron & Steel Co., Ltd. “5G network and AI have guaranteed uniform standards for the testing of clothing fabric and details and that of the production process compliance, which weren’t easy to keep in the past manual testing,” said Gu Yuejun, chief information officer of Youngor Apparel Manufacturing Co., Ltd. based in Ningbo, east China’s Zhejiang province, which is also a beneficiary of 5G network.

At the end of 2020, a 5G-driven intelligent manufacturing display platform established by Youngor and Chinese telecommunication operator China Unicom was launched, which has made Youngor’s production visualized, transparent, predictable and self-adaptive. It has increased the clothes maker’s production efficiency by 25 percent and cut its production cycle of bulk orders by 30 percent.

The industrial Internet innovation team of China

Unicom has helped Youngor, based on its achievements in production automation and management informatization, further achieve real-time interaction between human and machines and equipment, as well as real-time management of materials, energy consumption and quality inspection through a fully-connected platform by deploying 5G and edge computing technologies, said Zeng Guofeng, general manager of the branch of China Unicom in Ningbo.

Besides, the platform has helped Youngor improve production efficiency and product quality by leveraging big data and AI, Zeng added, who believes that China Unicom can upgrade the platform into a “brain” for clothing manufacturing and infuse vitality into small and medium-sized companies in the future.

Reducing cost and improving production quality and efficiency are considered driving forces behind the technological advances and management innovation of manufacturing enterprises.

The application scenarios of the integration of 5G network into industrial Internet have

not only helped manufacturers realize production with no or less manpower, improve product quality and guarantee the first pass yield, but driven the digitalization of manufacturers so that they can optimize production processes and improve production efficiency.

In recent years, 5G technology has developed rapidly in China.

As of the end of June this year, the country had established 961,000 5G base stations and the number of its 5G terminal connections reached 365 million.

China has completed nearly 1,600 projects that integrate 5G into industrial Internet, which cover over 20 key industries and fields. More industries are expected to embrace great changes and development through innovation driven by the next-generation information technologies such as 5G technology and new demands of industries.

As digital and smart technologies are increasingly integrated into infrastructure construction, various industries are expected to embrace greater driving forces for innovation and creation.

PEOPLES DAILY, monday, august 23, 2021

Education Insecurity: UniJos suspends academic activities, shuts hostels Maryam Abeeb

F

ollowing the rising spate of insecurity in Jos and its environs, the Management of the University of Jos has suspended all academic activities in the institution till further notice.

Mr Monday Danjem, the Registrar of the university, unveiled this development in a statement in Jos. According to Danjem, the decision to suspend academic activities and shut hostels was arrived at the end of the meeting between management and the Committee of Deans, Directors and Provost of the institution on Friday, August 20.

“The insecurity in Jos, which led to the imposition of duskto-dawn curfew has affected the academic activities and forced the university to suspend its second semester examinations for the 2019/2020 academic session.

“Students of the university continued to experience attacks from hoodlums, a situation that has led to the death of some of our students.

“Consequently, the management of the university, after an emergency meeting with the Committee of Deans, Directors and Provost on Friday, ordered the suspension of all academic activities in the university until further notice.

“Management has also directed the closure of all students hostels until further notice.

“The decision, which is in best interest and for the safety of our students, is subject to ratification by the Senate of the University,” Danjem said.

The registrar advised students to vacate all hostels and go back home and other safer abodes until the security situation in Jos improves.

He appealed to security agencies to beef up security at the various students’ locations to enable them to vacate to their destinations safely.

“Students are also advised to use safe means of transportation to their respective safer destinations “We wish to passionately appeal that a joint patrol team of armed soldiers and other law enforcement agencies should beef up security and ensure that students are adequately protected as they vacate their various hostels to safer destinations,” he appealed.

He said that management would give adequate notice of resumption when normalcy is fully restored in Jos and environs.

Danjem thanked the government of the state and security agencies for ensuring the safety of the majority of students of the university even as attacks on innocent people persist in Jos. He called on the students to be law abiding and desist from activities that would put them in trouble.

25

Buhari reappoints JAMB, NUC Bosses Maryam Abeeb, Abuja

P

resident Muhammdu Buhari has reappointed Professor Ishaq Oloyede as the Registrar/Chief Executive of the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board, JAMB, and Prof Abubakar Rasheed as Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission(NUC) for a five years tenure.

Oloyede’s reappointment was made public by the Director, Press and Public Affairs, Federal Ministry of Education, Ben Bem Goong.

In a statement he signed, Goong said the reappointment was based on the recommendation of Minister of Education, Adamu Adamu.

According to the statement, Buhari also approved the reappointment of Prof Abubakar Rasheed as Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission(NUC) for another five years and Hamid Bobboyi as Executive Secretary of the Universal Basic Education Commission(UBEC) for a second term of four years.

Buhari also approved the reappointment of Prof. Ifeoma Isiugo-Abanihe as Registrar/ CEO of the National Business and Technical Examinations Board (NABTEB) for a second term of four years and Prof.

Promise Mebine as the Director/ Chief Executive of the National Mathematical Centre for an initial tenure of five years.

The statement reads:

“President Muhammadu Buhari, has, upon the recommendation of Education Minister, Adamu Adamu, approved the reappointment of the Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculations Board (JAMB), Prof. Ishaq Olanrewaju Oloyede and the Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC), Prof.

Abubakar Adamu Rasheed.

“The two appointments are for a tenure of five (5) years each, with effect from 1st August, 2021.

“Also reappointed is Dr. Hamid Bobboyi as Executive Secretary of the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) for a second and final tenure of four (4) years with effect from 1st August, 2021.

“It will be recalled that Mr.

President had earlier approved the reappointment of Prof. Ifeoma Isiugo-Abanihe as Registrar/ CEO of the National Business and Technical Examinations Board (NABTEB) for a second term of four (4) years to sustain the efforts at sensitizing Nigerians on the critical role of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) and business subjects in the new knowledge economy.

“To give further impetus to mathematics education, approval was also granted for the appointment of Prof.

Promise Mebine as the Director/ Chief Executive of the National Mathematical Centre for an initial tenure of five (5) years with effect from 17th August, 2021.”

Some State Governors during a Luncheon in honour of son of the President, Yusuf and his wife, Zahra Buhari to conclude their wedding ceremony at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Sunday (22/8/2021)

10 Kebbi communities record 2,538 girl child enrolment in 2021 — ActionAid Maryam Abeeb

A

ctionAid Nigeria (AAN) says it had facilitated the enrolment of girl children into primary schools in 10 communities in Ngaski and Augie Local Government Areas of Kebbi from zero enrollment in 2007 to over 2,538 pupils in 2021.

The Manager, Partnership and Local Rights Programme of AAN, Alhaji Sani Muhammad-Ibrahim, stated this at a one-day validation meeting on local rights programme (LRP) impact assessment, in partnership with Active Support for Rural People Initiative (ASURPI) in Birnin Kebbi.

“We have been in 10 communities of Ngaski and Augie local government areas since 2007, precisely 14 years

now.

“We are here now to assess what we have done over the years, to see how we have been able to impact on the life of women and children at the community level. ” As a result of our intervention we have been able to sensitise the parents on the importance of education, issues on water, sanitation, women’s rights, especially girl child, among others.

“And we see how the number of children in those communities of Ngaski and Augie LGAs witnessed growth of enrolment of the girl child from almost zero in 2007 to 596 in 2009 and 1,942 in 2018”he said.

Muhammad-Ibrahim added: “As for the boys, we have witnessed increased enrolment of boy pupils from 1,389 in 2009 to 1,942 in 2018.

“We have achieved in those local government areas an unimaginable enrollment as we have now over 4,138 boys and 2,538 girls in primary schools in those communities”.

He also said that the aim of the meeting was to evaluate the impact on local rights programmes (LRP) in all the sectoral interventions around education, water, sanitation, women’s rights and other issues around communities in the state.

“People are being sensitised and empowered on issues around their rights.

“We want to see how we are able to shift power to the hands of the people in the rural communities so that they can be enabled to ask the government to provide the basic services to their communities.

“We are able to push the rights of the children by working with the state assembly, as the government now has recognised the inclusion of children in all aspects of development in the state. ” We are also able to push for women’s participation in the political space. There are some kinds of affirmative actions around major political parties in the state now to give some key positions to women because the more you get women to participate, the more peaceful and developed a society you will have, ” he said.

The manager called on the state government to ensure that issues relating to rural communities were captured in the state’s budget, in order to sustain the achievements after the NGO may have to round-off its activities in 2022.

UNIFEMGA awards N6.9m scholarships to 113 OAU students Maryam Abeeb

T

he Obafemi Awolowo University Muslim Graduates Association (UNIFEMGA) has awarded N6.99 million in scholarships to 113 students of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife. The association announced this in a communique issued by its President, Mr Abdul-Fattah Olanlege, after its 2021 Annual Reunion Conference held at the University Central Mosque in Ile-Ife .

The theme of the conference was: “Nigeria at a Crossroad: The Myths, The Facts, The Realities.”

Olanlege said that the association had disbursed a total of N40 million to over 700 students of the institution since the scholarship was introduced in 2009/2010 session.

He said the association stressed the need to restructure the country in such a way that all sections of the country would have a sense of belonging.

According to him, the current

Constitution has vested the total control of minerals, including oil on both land and water, in the Federal Government.

He further noted that in the 21st century, knowledge was the greatest capital which Nigeria must ensure was all encompassing in the choice of leaders at all levels and on all issues.

The association also noted the need for Nigerians to organise themselves and hold the leaders accountable at all levels.

“If the country is able to reach national consensus and communicate effectively with the citizens, the issue of insecurity, stagnating economy and bad governance, especially decay of institutions, endemic corruption and inability to manage diversity will be a thing of the past,” the communique said.

The association maintained that no meaningful change could take place and be sustained in the society if it was not driven by a set of core values.

PEOPLES DAILY, monday, august 23, 2021

26

Feature

PEOPLES DAILY, monday, august 23, 2021

CLASSIFIED

Algeria’s desperate wildfire fight: Buckets and branches T he heat could be felt from dozens of kilometres away.

At a petrol service station in the province of Bouira, a man working the pump laboured with the suffocating atmosphere. “[The heat] is coming from over the mountain. I’ve never seen fires like this,” he said, squinting into the distance.

Forest fires are not a new phenomenon for Algeria, and the north-eastern region of Tizi Ouzou in particular.

On the contrary, they are regular occurrences that first responders tussle with almost every year.

Yet, in the midst of a heatwave, no rain, and unrelenting gusts of wind, this year’s blazes caused extensive damage.

Tens of thousands of hectares around the villages of Larbaâ Nath Irathen, Beni Douala and Aït Mesbah were completely engulfed in flames, leaving charred silhouettes of the evergreen trees that used to line the hills.

Early reports conclude that this year’s fires inflicted more damage to Algeria’s forests than all the fires from 2008 to 2020 combined.

At least 90 people died fighting the flames, including 33 military personnel who received honourable funeral processions figures far higher than ever seen before.

Despite fighting fires year after year, and boasting one of Africa’s biggest military budgets, Algeria does not have amphibious firefighting airplanes.

Instead, a handful of Mi26 helicopters equipped with 1,000-litre buckets and overloaded fire engines tried their best to snuff out the infernos.

As a result, the government had to resort to asking the European Union to help out, and, on 12 August, French President Emmanuel Macron quickly sent out two planes.

The villagers of Beni Douala joined the fight with shovels, branches or whatever other supplies were readily available to them.

“Maybe its passport has expired,” joked Fethi Fellah, a

The once verdant mountains of the Algerian region of Tizi Ouzou, peppered with olive groves and coniferous trees, were ravaged by more than 100 forest fires over the past fortnight.

Volunteers had to use whatever they could find to try and extinguish the fires young volunteer, when asked if he had spotted a firefighting plane.

“Besides the firefighters, noone has come to help us out,” he said, while directing a procession of cars down from the mountain and into the city of Tizi Ouzou, where families were gathered at community centres in makeshift shelters.

One such establishment was the banquet hall Le Printemps,

hosting dozens of people who had fled their homes.

Resilience, desperation and indignation were etched on their faces as they understood that they were left to their own devices.

“The authorities have not helped us evacuate, we had to rely on volunteers who went from village to village,” said Ines, a volunteer who did not want to share her family name.

“They are partially responsible for the elevated death toll. Every year we have forest fires and the proper mechanisms are still not in place,” she said.

“ Many people found their homes consumed by the infernos

Page 27

Both Prime Minister Aymen Benabderrahmane and President Abdelmadjid Tebboune said that the origin of the forest fires were criminal, while failing to produce concrete evidence for the claims.

They blamed separatist groups fighting for self-determination in the Kabyle region around Tizi Ouzou, and also said it would “review” diplomatic relations with Morocco, which it accuses of backing the groups.

However, such accusations ignore the fact that countries around the Mediterranean have also struggled with forest fires in

recent weeks, including Turkey, Greece, Cyprus, Italy and France.

Climate change in the region is likely to be causing an increase in the conditions in which wildfires occur.

Unfortunately, global warming is not yet a significant part of Algerian public discourse.

More than 90% of Algeria’s exports are in the hydrocarbon sector, so fossil fuels are integral to the country’s strategic interests.

During the 2019 presidential election debate, for instance, not once was an environmental agenda discussed by any of the five candidates.

Yet the human and environmental losses from natural disasters are becoming just too costly to ignore.

Forest fires are not the only symptoms of climate change in Algeria.

The Sahara desert, which makes up about 80% of the country’s area, is getting bigger.

It has expanded by 10% over the past century, according to the Journal of Climate, published by the American meteorological society.

Increased desertification disrupts pastoral grazing routes and forces farmers to draw deeper into underground aquifers for water resources.

For the already marginalised populations on the edges of the desert, global warming makes daily life in the summertime extremely difficult.

Schoolchildren in the Adrar province, for example, have some of the country’s lowest literacy rates, partly because the school buildings are not adapted to the region’s extreme temperatures.

In the capital city of Algiers, water stress has limited large parts of the city to just a few hours of running water per day.

President Tebboune has announced that three emergency desalination plants are to be constructed to alleviate the problem.

However, until climate change is taken seriously, and a specific environmental policy is implemented, reactive solutions will only provide short-term relief.

Source: BBC

Resilience, desperation and indignation were etched on their faces as they understood that they were left to their own devices.

“The authorities have not helped us evacuate, we had to rely on volunteers who went from village to village,” said Ines, a volunteer who did not want to share her family name.

public NOTICE

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DAMUS AUXILIA FOUNDATION

ASSOCIATION OF GREAT INDIGENOUS PEOPLE OF IDU IGODOMIGODO

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC), ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘F’ OF COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, ( CAMA 2020).

THE TRUSTEES ARE : 1. IJADUNOLA QOWIYAT 2. AKINBOLA MAYOKUN ADESEWA 3. OMOTOSHO ADEBAYO OLUSEGUN 4. ENIOLAPO ENOCH BOLUWARIN5. UCHE CHISOM VINCENT

SECRETARY CHAIRMAN

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE : 1. TO CREATE OPPORTUNITY FOR PEOPLE THAT ARE LESS PRIVILEGED THROUGH SOCIAL EMPOWERMENT. 2. TO APPRECIATE, ENCOURAGE AND RECOGNIZE ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE THROUGH GIVING OF AWARDS, SCHOLARSHIPS AND PRIZES TO STUDENTS THAT EXCELS IN THEIR FIELDS OF STUDY OR ACADEMIC PURSUIT. 3.TO APPRECIATE, ENCOURAGE AND RECOGNIZE TALENTS BY EMPOWERING AND CREATING OPPORTUNITIES, PLATFORMS AND ENABLING ENVIRONMENT FOR PEOPLE WHO ARE HIGHLY TALENTED BUT HAVE NO MEANS AND PLATFORM TO SHOWCASE THEIR TALENTS. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR_GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT , OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET , MAITAMA , ABUJA WITHIN 28DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED : SECRETARY.

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THE TRUSTEES ARE : 1.OLORUNTUNDE FOLORUNSHO 2. SULE EMMANUEL 3. ABAFI OLAJUMOKE 4. ABAFI ALEXANDER GAMBO 5. OYETUNDE ILUFOYE LADIPO THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE : To preach the Gospel of God. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR_GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT , OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET , MAITAMA , ABUJA WITHIN 28DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED : SECRETARY.

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC), ABUJA FOR REMOVAL AND APPOINTMENTS OF NEW TRUSTEES (CHANGE OF TRUSTEES) UNDER PART ‘F’ OF COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, ( CAMA 2020).

THE OLD TRUSTEES ARE : 1. j. O. U. Kythouca 2. Osedebamen Okojie 3. Paul Omo Okojie 4. Marshall Utubor Saleem.

5. Kelvin Iredia Eseigbe 6. Osage faith 7. Reuben Efosa Aimienoho 8. Destiny Ofure Ugbo 9. MONDAY WEHERE (RETAINED) 10.Eunice Aimiose THE NEW TRUSTEES ARE : 1) MONDAY WEHERE (RETAINED) 2. OSEMWENGIE RICH ARISCO 3. OLIHA OSABUOHIEN PATRICK 4. OGIAMIEN TONYBESTMAN EMOKPAE 5. AIGBOVBIOSA EKI - ARISCO 6. OGIAMIEN ROLAND U. 7. EGBOBAWAYE AMENZESIOFO 8. ARISCO SAINT 9. OGIAMIEN MICHELIN EMOKPAE 10. OGIAMIEN ELVIS OKPAKO. THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES REMAIN THE SAME. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS APPLICATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR_GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT , OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET , MAITAMA , ABUJA WITHIN 28DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED : SECRETARY.

IBEH I, formerly known as kelechi ibeh now wish to be known and addressed as ibeh kelechi prince. All former documents remain valid.

Authorities concerned and the general public should please take note.

public NOTICE CITADEL TEENS FOUNDATION

This is to inform the general public the above named association has applied to the for registration under PART “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act 2020, Names of Trustees 1. David Olusunkami Olalekun 2. David Damilola Olutayo AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1. Engaging, equipping and empowering teenagers and youth to discover self, develop ideas, gain financial intelligence and to produce young entrepreneurs 2. Empowering teens-youths for self actualization and to be agent of positive change in the society.

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KAFAYAT

Aims and Objectives 1. To prepare the younger Generation to be able to take over the reigns of leadership at their time 2. To restore the lost cultural and social values in the lives of our children 3. To resolve the issues of violence and corruption in our society through proper education of our young minds.

I, formerly known as Jumoke Kafayat Usman now wish to be known and addressed as Kafayat Jumoke Imran, DATE OF BIRTH 04/06/1994. All former documents remain valid. Authorities concerned and the general public should please take note.

Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the Registrar General Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent, Off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, P.M.B 198, Maitama, Aubja within 28 days of this publication.

Signed. Chairman.

public NOTICE

public NOTICE

LOSS OF DOCUMENTS

MOUNTAIN OF FAVOUR DELIVERANCE MINISTRY

DIKO YOUTH DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION.

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC OF THE LOSS OF ORIGINAL OFFER OF TERMS OF GRANT/CONVEYANCE OF APPROVAL .DATED 17/05/ 01, FORMERLY BELONGING TO BENSON ALEGBE, NOW BELONGING TO VICTOR OKEKE. WITH FILE NO. AN11433 IN RESPECT OF PLOT NO LD 26 WITH GUZAPE DISTRICT ABUJA MEASURING ABOUT 1,500 CM GOT MISSING.

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC), ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘F’ OF COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, ( CAMA 2020).

THE TRUSTEES ARE : 1. IORHEMEN ABRAHAM APEILUIOR - CHAIRMAN 2. AMOS EUNICE PRINCESS - SECRETARY 3. TARKUMBUR HENRY YANGENA

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC), ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘F’ OF COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, ( CAMA 2020).

THE TRUSTEES ARE : 1. David Gognaje - Charman.

2. Sunday Gogna - Secretary.

3. Silas Alexander Nyazhida.

4. Baba Raphael Sabo.

ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR_GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT , OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET , MAITAMA , ABUJA WITHIN 28DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED : SECRETARY.

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE : 1. To bring together and build youths of same vision and purpose.

2. To foster unity amongst youth for better now and Future development.

3. To bring up better informed youths for tomorrow leadership devoid of negativity.

ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR_GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT , OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET , MAITAMA , ABUJA WITHIN 28DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED : SECRETARY.

public NOTICE

public NOTICE

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE : To preach the Gospel of our lord Jesus Christ

HALIMA & BUBA NEEDY CARE FOUNDATION.

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC), ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘F’ OF COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, (CAMA 2020).

THE TRUSTEES ARE : 1. Hussaini buba.

2. Halima Abdullahi Sani.

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE : 1. Providing welfare support to the needy.

2. Building the capacity of the needy to assist them to stand on their feet.

ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR_GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT , OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET , MAITAMA , ABUJA WITHIN 28DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED : SECRETARY.

TRAINME EMPOWERMENT FOUNDATION. THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC), ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘F’ OF COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, (CAMA 2020).

THE TRUSTEES ARE : 1) KHALED S. K. DAKWAR - CHAIRMAN (2) DAVID ISAAC (3) ELEBURUIKE AHMAD BOLAKALE - TRUSTEE/SECRETARY. THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE : (1) TO ELIMINATE JOBLESSNESS , IMPROVE THE WELL BEING OF OUR COMMUNITY THROUGH ACCESS TO JOB, VOCATIONAL JOB CREATION, COMMUNITY EDUCATION TRAINING AND TRAINING IN SEVERAL VOCATIONAL RELATED JOBS (2) TO RENDER ASSISTANCE TO THE NEEDY AND INDIGENTS BY PROVIDING TRAINING ON TECHNICAL SKILLS AND SUPPORT. (3) TO DISTRIBUTE EQUIPMENTS TO THOSE WHO HAVE DIFFICULTY PURCHASING EQUIPMENTS AND AVOID RETURN TO REDUNDANCY AND JOBLESSNESS (4) TO CREATE AWARENESS ON THE NEED TO ERADICATE JOBLESSNESS, REDUNDANCY, IDLENESS AND THE NEED TO INCREASE PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT AND APPRECIATION OF TECHNICAL SKILLS (5) TO PROMOTE AND PROVIDE VOCATIONAL TRAINING AND SKILL ACQUISITION PROGRAMS TO THE SOCIETY. (6) TO PROVIDE SPECIALIZED TRAINING THAT WILL INCREASE PRODUCTIVITY, EMPOWER INDIVIDUALS TO BECOME SELF-RELIANT AND STIMULATE ENTREPRENEURSHIP. (7) TO PROVIDE THE TECHNICAL KNOWLEDGE AND VOCATIONAL SKILLS THAT WILL ENHANCE INDIVIDUAL EMPLOYABILITY. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR_ GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT , OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET , MAITAMA , ABUJA WITHIN 28DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED : SECRETARY.

ALL EFFORTS MADE TO TRACE THE SAID DOCUMENT PROVED ABORTIVE IF FOUND PLEASE KINDLY RETURN TO THE NEAREST POLICE STATION OR LAND DEPARTMENT ( AGIS) .

SIGNED : VICTOR OKEKE.

public NOTICE GEOFFERY YENLE FOUNDATION

The general public is hereby notified that the above named organization has applied to Corporate Affairs Commission Abuja for Change of Name under Part “C” of the Companies and Allied Act No 1 of 1990.

YENLE FOUNDATION TO GEOFFREY YENLE FOUNDATION THE TRUSTEES ARE : REMAIN THE SAME THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE : REMAIN THE SAME ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR_GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT , OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET , MAITAMA , ABUJA WITHIN 28DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED : SECRETARY.

abdullahi I, formerly known as Danjuma Abubakar now wish to be known and addressed as Isah ABDULLAHI, DATE OF BIRTH 01/01/1993. All former documents remain valid. Authorities concerned and the general public should please take note.

PEOPLES DAILY, monday, august 23, 2021

CLASSIFIED public NOTICE

ELIJAH

ALICE BASSEY ENE FOUNDATION

I, FORMERLY KNOWN AS Hosea Elijah. NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AS Hosea Elijah Shokwoya.

ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. ALL AUTHORITIES CONCERNED AND GENERAL PUBLIC PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC), ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘F’ OF COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, ( CAMA 2020).

THE TRUSTEES ARE : 1.ALICE BASSEY ENE 2.DIVINE CEPHAS BASSEY THE AIM AND OBJECTIVE : 1.To help the needy in the society.

adamu I, FORMERLY KNOWN AS Adamu Abdullahi Audu . NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AS Adamu Audu.

ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. ALL AUTHORITIES CONCERNED AND GENERAL PUBLIC PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

LOSS OF DOCUMENT

This is to inform the general public of the loss of Original Offer of Statutory Right of Occupancy for Plot No 1184 with File No: GO 20004 situated at Durumi District , FCT, Abuja belonging to Baba Mohammed of Plot 5, 13th Crescent , Kado, FCT Abuja . All efforts made to trace the said document proved abortive. If found,please return to the nearest police station.

ALL AUTHORITIES CONCERNED AND GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR_GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT , OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET , MAITAMA , ABUJA WITHIN 28DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED : SECRETARY.

I, FORMERLY KNOWN AS HADIZA UMAR ABDULLAHI. NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AS HADIZA UMAR JIBRIN. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. ALL AUTHORITIES CONCERNED AND GENERAL PUBLIC PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

LOSS OF DOCUMENTS

LOSS OF DOCUMENTS

public NOTICE

This is to inform the general public of the loss of Original Statutory Right of Occupancy with Plot No 558 located within Mabushi District measuring about 2027.06m2 dated 26/03/2010 with File No. MISC 100782 bearing BLUESTREAM NIGERIA LIMITED. The said documents got missing while on transit between Abuja and Benin City. All efforts made to trace the missing documents proved abortive. If found kindly return to the nearest police station or AGIS. General Public should please take note.

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC OF THE LOSS OF ORIGINAL LETTER OF ALLOCATION OF HOUSE No. 4B AND 4A BLOCK B AT GREENFIELD ESTATE, DURUMI ABUJA. ISSUED BY URBAN SHELTER LTD TO COOPER WORLDWIDE SOLUTIONS LTD.GOT MISSING. ALL EFFORTS MADE TO TRACE THE SAID DOCUMENT HAVE PROVED ABORTIVE. IF FOUND PLEASE, KINDLY RETURN TO THE NEAREST POLICE STATION.ALL AUTHORITIES CONCERNED AND GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

MUSIAD INDEPENDENT INDUSTRIALISTS AND BUSINESSMEN ASSOCIATION

public NOTICE

public NOTICE

DIVWINAMBASSADOR HUMANITARIAN FOUNDATION THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC), ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘F’ OF COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, ( CAMA 2020).

THE TRUSTEES ARE : 1.

Kindness John --- chairperson.

2.

Winner okonkwo --- secretary 3.

Borniface Onwuka 4.

Jordan uche Anaemene 5.

Nkechi Anaemene 6.

Obiora Ezekwum 7.

Yemi ogbaro THE AIM AND OBJECTIVE : 1.TO ASSIST THE LESS PRIVLEGED IN THE SOCIETY. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR_GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT , OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET , MAITAMA , ABUJA WITHIN 28DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED : Barr. (Chief) Chris Okpala, 08033158531.

hadiza

TREE OF GRACE ASSEMBLY

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC), ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘F’ OF COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, ( CAMA 2020).

THE TRUSTEES ARE : 1.IGONI FRIDAY DANIEL 2.EMMANUEL FAVOUR ILAYIRA 3.IGONI PATRICIA BINOYE THE AIM AND OBJECTIVE : 1. TO PREACH THE GOSPEL OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR_GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT , OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET , MAITAMA , ABUJA WITHIN 28DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED : SECRETARY.

public NOTICE

public NOTICE

Golden Dynasty Prestigious Club

GOLDEN AGE MEDICAL AND HEALTH INITIATIVE

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC), ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘F’ OF COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, ( CAMA 2020).

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC), ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘F’ OF COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, ( CAMA 2020).

THE TRUSTEES ARE : 1.MOHAMMED UMAR - CHAIRMAN 2.ALIYU MURTALA 3.GARBA SANI 4.MUHAMMAD ABDURRASHEED MUHAMMAD - SECRETARY

THE TRUSTEES ARE : 1. Udeme Okon Usoro ( Chairman) 2. Essang Joseph Essang( Secretary) 3.Usen Udo Umoefik 4. Champion Albert Abasiute 5. Nsikan Udoafangide Ekam THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE : 1. To propagate the gospel of Jesus Christ through out the world through giving and caring for members 2.To foster the spirit of co-operation, unity and harmony among members 3.To defend the integrity of the family through personal uprightness and good conduct of members.

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE : 1.TO ESTABLISH STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP WITH BOTH LOCAL AND INTERNATIONAL AS WELL AS GOVERNMENTAL AND NON GOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATIONS WITH THE AIM TO IMPROVE THE STATE OF HEALTHCARE IN THE COUNTRY. 2.TO CHAMPION THE CAUSE OF ENSURING THAT PATIENT ARE PROVIDED WITH GOOD, 3. SOUND AND QUALITY HEALTHCARE SERVICE.

ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR_GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT , OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET , MAITAMA , ABUJA WITHIN 28DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION.

ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR_GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT , OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET , MAITAMA , ABUJA WITHIN 28DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION.

SIGNED : SECRETARY.

SIGNED : SECRETARY.

THE GENERAL PUBLIC IS HEREBY NOTIFIED THAT THE ABOVE NAMED BODY HAS APPLIED TO CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, ABUJA FOR REMOVAL OF THREE (3) TRUSTEES AND APPOINTMENT OF THREE (3) NEW TRUSTEES/SECRETARY UNDER PART “C” OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, NO. 1 OF THE 1990.

THE OLD TRUSTEES ARE: 1. HUSEYIN OZTUNC - Removed 2.HAJIYA SALMA MAKAMA - Removed 3. HUSEYIN EK - Removed THE NEW APPOINTED TRUSTEEARE: 1.

TEVIFIK DEMIREL -APPOINTED 2.

CEM TAQGIN -APPOINTED 3.

DABO ABDOULAYE - APPOINTED REASON FOR REMOVAL OF THREE (3) TRUSTEE AND APPOINTMENT THREE (3) NEW TRUSTEES/SECRTARY: Reason for appointment of Three (3) new trustees, TEVIFIK DEMIREL, CEM TAQGIN and DABO ABDOULAYE is to enable the equal and adequate representation of all regions of the association so as to achieve its aims and objectives, while the reason for the removal of the three trustees is due to their absence in the country to discharge duties.

THE CONSTITUTION/AIMS AND OBJECTIVES REMAIN THE SAME. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS APPLICATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR_GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT , OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET , MAITAMA , ABUJA WITHIN 28DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED : SECRETARY.

public NOTICE AI-ABUKA COMMUNITY FORUM

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC), ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘F’ OF COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, ( CAMA 2020).

THE TRUSTEES ARE : 1.ODO EMMANUEL 2.EDACHE MATHIAS IGOCHE 3.OTEKIWU ALADE FRIDAY 4.AGBO JOSEPH ALOME 5.EJEH ODEH ALEX THE AIM AND OBJECTIVE : 1.TO PROVIDE A FORUM AND PLATFORM TO FOSTER, ENCOURAGE AND BUILD A SENSE OF BELONGING AMONG THE MEMBERS AND COMMUNITY. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR_GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT , OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET , MAITAMA , ABUJA WITHIN 28DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED : SECRETARY.

public NOTICE GLORIOUS COVENANT HOUSE OF GOD MINISTRY THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC), ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘F’ OF COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, ( CAMA 2020).

THE TRUSTEES ARE : 1.

JAMES OGHENEMAKPO HEPHZIBAH 2.

JAMES REBECCA TEMITOPE 3. SANUSI OLATUNDE AKEEM 4.

ADENIYE OYEYEMI TAIWO 5. SOMOYE ADEBUSOLA ADEYINKA 6.

TIJANI KAFAYAT THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE : 1. TO FULFIL OUR PART IN THE GREAT COMMISSION BY PROPAGATING THE GOSPEL OF OUR LORD JESUS TO ALL CREATURES 2. TO SET THE CAPTIVES FREE, TOUCH AND CHANGE THE LIVES OF THE PEOPLE THE COMMUNITY AT LARGE. 3. TO ESTABLISH, ENGAGE IN AND ENCOURAGE CHARITABLE BENEVOLENT AND OTHER MERCIFUL ACTIVITIES FOR THE BENEFIT OF ALL MEN, SPECIALLY THE BODY OF CHRIST. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR_GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT , OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET , MAITAMA , ABUJA WITHIN 28DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED : SECRETARY.

Sports

PEOPLES DAILY

PAGE 28

monday, august 23, 2021

Team Nigeria finish 3rd best world at world athletics junior

By Albert Akota

T

eam Nigeria became the beautiful bride for the continent of Africa at the just concluded World Athletics Junior championship held in Kenya.

Kudos to the young Team Nigeria for the scintillating performances and record breaking achievements.

Nigeria, the pride of Africa was 3rd best on overall on podium finish with 7 great medals (4 Gold and 3 Bronze).

According Special adviser on sports to the Honourable Minister that tones of record were broken and personal best recorded enroute podium finish.

Part of the records smashed at the games includes Africa and National records which is an improvement on previous outings.

Nigerians can celebrate amidst sweat, tears and joy, the team’s performances surpassed all previous Championships.

Page

29

sports@peoplesdailyng.com, SMS- 08142929046

World U20 Championship: Nigeria claim another Gold in Kenya

T

eam Nigeria to the U20 World athletics c h a m p i o n s h i p continued to make headlines in Nairobi, Kenya with their impressive performance.

The quartet of Opeyemi Deborah Oke, Imaobong Nse Uko, Ella Onujuvwevwo, and Favour Ofili created another record on Sunday afternoon as they clinched gold medal in 4×400 meters.

Apart from winning the race, the Nigeria side created a world lead with a 3:31:46 win.

Imaobong continued her amazing form, she has claimed victory in all events she has competed in.

Players in action

PFP eyes African best at Tokyo Paralympics Games

A

head of the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics games, president of Nigeria Paralympic federation Ruel Ishaku has promised the to deliver the best African performance at the forthcoming Games in Tokyo.

The Nigeria contingents led by captain Lucy Ejike left the country for the team camp in Kizarazu last week.

While speaking ahead of the games, Ishaku said they are prepared to win gold and create a new record in their various events.

“I don’t have any doubt about my athletes, they are in high spirit, they’ve prepared. Now we are in Tokyo getting ready as usual.

At the last games, we have about 14 athletes but now we have 9 but by the grace of God, we are going to make it.

People count on us for medals but we count on record. I’m talking about the world record, if an athlete is training, you have any doubt

about him. if we are talking about medals we are talking about gold medals,” he said.

Nigeria had her most successful outing at Rio 2016,

finishing as Africa’s best team and 17th overall in the world on the medals table with eight gold, two silver, and two bronze medals

PAGE 30

PEOPLES DAILY, monday, august 23, 2021

PEOPLES DAILY, monday, august 23, 2021

Page 31

CLASSIFIED abdulazeez

huzaifa

I, FORMERLY KNOWN AS OGUNDEJI HAFSAT TAIWO. NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AS ABDULAZEEZ HAFSAT TAIWO. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. ALL AUTHORITIES CONCERNED AND GENERAL PUBLIC PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

I, FORMERLY KNOWN AS ABUBAKAR ABDULSSALAM. NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AS HUZAIFA ABDULSSALAM. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. ALL AUTHORITIES CONCERNED AND GENERAL PUBLIC PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

rabiu

esther

I, FORMERLY KNOWN AS MOHAMMADU RABIU USUMAN. NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AS RABIU MUHAMMADU. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. ALL AUTHORITIES CONCERNED AND GENERAL PUBLIC PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

I, formerly known as Esther Sani now wish to be known and addressed as Esther Bulus Abga. Authorities concerned and the general public should please take note.

amira

halima

I, FORMERLY KNOWN AS BAGWAI AMIRA NURA. NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AS AMIRA NURA SURAJ. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. ALL AUTHORITIES CONCERNED AND GENERAL PUBLIC PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

I, formerly known as halima Abubakar now wish to be known and addressed as halima abubakar ayigu, all former document remains valid. Authorities concerned and the general public should please take note.

abugu

LOSS OF DOCUMENTS

I, formerly known as joseph Abugu now wish to be known and addressed as Joseph Allu Abugu. All former documents remain valid.

Authorities concerned and the general public should please take note.

This is to inform the general public of the loss of original right of occupancy RofO belonging to MAI-HAMZARI HOLDINGS LIMITED, PLOT NO.188, FILE NO. 52753. ADDRESS: 23, RIMI ROAD G. R. A BAUCHI. CADASTRAL ZONE AO1 , DISTRICT GARKI I. ,HAMZA ABUBAKAR SAKWA (THE DIRECTOR) reported that all efforts made to trace the missing document proved abortive, please if found kindly return to the nearest police station. General public take note.

marwan I, formerly known as yunusa Marwan Umar now wish to be known and addressed as Marwan yunusa Umar. Authorities concerned and the general public should please take note.

public NOTICE GIVE AND LOVE CHARITABLE FOUNDATION THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC), ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘F’ OF COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, ( CAMA 2020).

THE TRUSTEES ARE : 1.NNAH DANIEL - TRUSTEE/ CHAIRMAN 2.NNAH NNEOMA PEACE - SECRETARY .

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE : 1. TO PROVIDE HELP/SHELTER/FACILITIES FOR OLD PEOPLE, CHILDREN, DISABLED PERSONS AND FOR LESS PRIVILEGED PEOPLE GENERALLY. 2. TO ORGANIZE HEALTHCARE OUTREACHES , MEDICAL PROGRAMS TO HELP LESS PRIVILEGED. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR_GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT , OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET , MAITAMA , ABUJA WITHIN 28DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED : SECRETARY.

LOSS OF DOCUMENT

I HADIZATU L ABUBAKAR, ADDRESS of C/O 10, RADOLF CLOSE, 10, RADOLF CLOSE, ABUJA FCT NIGERIA wish to inform the general public of the loss of Right of occupancy RofO in respect of Plot No. 4778, District Wuse 1, with OLD FILE NO.KB 308, NEW FILE NO. 10264.

CADSTRAL ZONE AO2.

All efforts made to trace the said missing document proved abortive, please if found kindly return to the nearest police station. General public take note. public NOTICE

OSB FOUNDATION

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC), ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘F’ OF COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, ( CAMA 2020).

THE TRUSTEES ARE : 1.JEGEDE DAMILARE FUNMILAYO - TRUSTEE/ CHAIRMAN 1.SANNI ATINUKE MARYHANNAH - SECRETARY 3.TSEKE FAVOUR ORITSEWEYINMI THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE : 1. CARRYING OUT HUMANITARIAN PROJECTS TO GENERALLY IMPROVE THE LIVING STANDARD OF LESS PRIVILEGED FAMILIES .

2. PUT SMILES ON FACES OF THE LESS PRIVILEGED SUPPORTING UNIVERSITY AND SCHOOL STUDENTS THROUGH SCHOOL AND PROVIDING ESSENTIALS FOR STUDY. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR_GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT , OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET , MAITAMA , ABUJA WITHIN 28DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED : SECRETARY.

SPACE FOR SALE

CLASSIFIED public NOTICE Public Notice / Correction of Director’s names.

NIPCO PLC: RC NO 399339 The General public is hereby notified that the above company directors has applied to CAC for names correction.Their names were wrongly captured in the course registration to read as.

public NOTICE SAM OKPODU SPORTS AND EDUCATION FOUNDATION THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC), ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘F’ OF COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, ( CAMA 2020).

LOSS OF DOCUMENT The Ephraim & Evelyn Nwakanma Memorial Foundation (TEEMF)

THE TRUSTEES ARE : 1. OKPODU SAMUEL OMAYENWA (Chairman) 2. EDEMA FULUDU GODWIN 3. OKOLOSI VINCENT (Secretary) 4. ERIMU ELOHO GLORIA

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC), ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘F’ OF COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, ( CAMA 2020).

THE TRUSTEES ARE : 1. Igbokwe kelechi chinyere 2. Nwakanma Ikechukwu Amarizu 3. Nwakanma Chiemezie Chido

THE CORRECT NAMES ARE AS FOLLOWS : 1.Adamu Habu Abubakar 2.Barura Sani Ya’u 3.Usman Abubakar Sharif.

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE : 1. To provide sports opportunity for talented youths 2. To provide education opportunity for talented youths 3. To provide sports/education scholarship to talented youths 4. To provide talented youths opportunity to study in Nigeria and abroad 5. To provide emotional maturity through sports/education 6. To provide ongoing skills and personal development through sports/education 7. To provide leadership opportunity through sports and education 8. To provide self-confidence, teamwork, accountability, responsibility and self-discipline.

And to cob youth restiveness and crime in our society through sports and education.

ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. ALL AUTHORITIES CONCERNED AND GENERAL PUBLIC PLEASE TAKE NOTE. SIGNED : SECRETARY.

ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR_GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT , OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET , MAITAMA , ABUJA WITHIN 28DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED : SECRETARY.

THE NAMES ON CAC DOCUMENT WHICH ARE NOT CORRECT ARE : 1.Habu Jajere.

2.Sani Ya’u.

3.Sharif Usmania.

PUBLIC NOTICE PAN AFRICAN AGRICULTURAL ADVANCEMENT INITIATIVE. CAC/IT/NO: 122126

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE : 1. To carry out charity and humanitarian activities and projects to assist those in need, particularly in education, health, religion.

2. To execute Community Development projects for the benefit of the general public.

ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR_GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT , OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET , MAITAMA , ABUJA WITHIN 28DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED : SECRETARY.

public NOTICE

public NOTICE

AFRICAN KINGS AWARDS INITIATIVE, CAC/IT NO: 114103

STARTUPS SUPPORTS INITIATIVE. CAC/IT/ NO: 116359

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC), ABUJA FOR CHANGE OF TRUSTEES UNDER PART ‘F’ OF COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, ( CAMA 2020).

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC), ABUJA FOR CHANGE OF TRUSTEES UNDER PART ‘F’ OF COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, ( CAMA 2020).

THE TRUSTEES ARE : 1. GODMAN EUGENE - RETAINED 2. GODMAN PHIL UZOAMAKA - RETAINED 3. CHUKWUJEKWU EJIKE SAM- FESTUS - RETAINED 4. CHUKWUKEZIE RAPHAEL IKECHUKWU - REMOVED

THE TRUSTEES ARE : 1. GODMAN EUGENE - RETAINED 2. GODMAN PHIL UZOAMAKA - RETAINED 3. PETERSON PAUL FRANK - REMOVED 4. EMEREOCE JULIET CHIKA - APPOINTED

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES REMAIN THE SAME.

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES REMAIN THE SAME.

ANY OBJECTION TO THIS APPLICATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR_GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT , OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET , MAITAMA , ABUJA WITHIN 28DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION.

ANY OBJECTION TO THIS APPLICATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR_GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT , OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET , MAITAMA , ABUJA WITHIN 28DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION.

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES REMAIN THE SAME. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS APPLICATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR_GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT , OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET , MAITAMA , ABUJA WITHIN 28DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION.

SIGNED : SECRETARY.

SIGNED : SECRETARY.

SIGNED : SECRETARY.

public NOTICE Eternal Glory Salvation Ministry THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC), ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘F’ OF COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, ( CAMA 2020).

THE TRUSTEES ARE : 1. Osayi osaretin power.

- President 2. Isaiah-priye Esohe Charity. - Secretary 3. Jofac Peculiar Maduka 4. Osayi Nosakhare Godwill THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVESARE : (1) To establish and maintain Churches, as places of worship of Almighty God the Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ, his only begotten son, through the Holy Spirit.

(2) To obey the great commission and assume the privileges of propagating the gospel of the Lord Jesus by every means available in all the nations of the world.

(3) To support missionary enterprise in Nigeria with a view to establishing indigenous local churches even at the remotest part of Nigeria.

(4) To promote Christian Fellowship and edification among Christians of like faith, in accordance with scriptural teaching, method and conduct.

(5) To provide Christian education for all age groups, and to encourage training for active full-time and part-time ministry in Nigeria and abroad in form of Seminars, Conferences and Workshops.

public NOTICE LAMIDO NAYELWA FOUNDATION

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC), ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘F’ OF COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, ( CAMA 2020).

THE TRUSTEES ARE : 1.AMIN ALI ABUBAKAR - CHAIRMAN 2.AMINA AMIN ALI - SECRETARY THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE : 1.TO HELP THE LESS PRIVILEGED IN THE SOCIETY. 2.TO ERADICATE POVERTY IN THE RURAL COMMUNITY.

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC), ABUJA FOR CHANGE OF TRUSTEES UNDER PART ‘F’ OF COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, ( CAMA 2020).

THE TRUSTEES ARE : 1. GODMAN EUGENE - RETAINED 2. NWEZI HAPPINESS NKIRUKA - REMOVED 3. IDUKU SAMUEL OREZIMENA - RETAINED 4. GODMAN CHIAMAKA ROSEMARY - APPOINTED

public NOTICE EBONYI SUCCESSFUL BROTHERS ASSOCIATION, PORTHARCOURT

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC), ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘F’ OF COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, ( CAMA 2020).

THE TRUSTEES ARE : 1.NGWUTA CHINEDU - CHAIRMAN 2.IGWE JOSEPH EBELE - SECRETARY 3.EKUMA SOLOMON AMAECHI 4.UDENYI SIMON AKONUCHE 5.NWOBA CHUKWUDI 6.EFFIA IKECHUKWU ORATOR .

SIGNED : SECRETARY.

SIGNED : SAM T. ANI 08065475774.

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE : 1.TO PROMOTE PEACE AND UNITY IN THE SOCIETY. 2.TO HELP THE LESS PRIVILEGED PERSONS IN THE SOCIETY. 3.TO PROMOTE THE WELFARE OF ITS MEMBERS. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR_GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT , OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET , MAITAMA , ABUJA WITHIN 28DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED : SAM T. ANI 08065475774.

public NOTICE

public NOTICE

public NOTICE

CHUKWUKA CHARITY FOUNDATION THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC), ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘F’ OF COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, ( CAMA 2020).

ASAH INTERNATIONAL MINISTRIES THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC), ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘F’ OF COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, ( CAMA 2020).

FIRSTLOVE PACESETTERS GLOBAL CHARITY FOUNDATION

ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR_ GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT , OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET , MAITAMA , ABUJA WITHIN 28DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION.

THE TRUSTEES ARE : 1.OKAFOR CHUKWUKA IFEANYI 2.OKAFOR UGOCHUKWU AUGUSTINA 3.UDO EDET UDEME THE AIM AND OBJECTIVE : 1.To help the needy in the society.

ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR_GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT , OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET , MAITAMA , ABUJA WITHIN 28DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED : SECRETARY.

ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR_GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT , OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET , MAITAMA , ABUJA WITHIN 28DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION.

THE TRUSTEES ARE : 1.IFEBU CHIGOZIE JOHN-PAUL - Chairman 2.OBOH FAITH AGHUMELE - Secretary 3.OLAYINKA SIHIYONA TITILAYO 4.SUNDAY MATTHEW 5.USMAN BENJAMIN 6.IKOKWU RHEMA CHIBUEZE 7.GODWIN ABRAHAM THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE : 1- Preaching the gospel of salvation to the unsaved and catering for the flock of Christ.

2- Reaching out to the poor and the society at large with the gospel and our substance.

ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR_GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT , OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET , MAITAMA , ABUJA WITHIN 28DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED : SECRETARY.

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC), ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘F’ OF COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, ( CAMA 2020).

THE TRUSTEES ARE : 1.Alade Valentine Bisola. - Chairman 2.Gasiokwu Goodness Favour - Secretary 3. Fagbami Emmanuel Olorundare THE AIM AND OBJECTIVE : 1.To help the less privileged in the society.

ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR_GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT , OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET , MAITAMA , ABUJA WITHIN 28DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED : Authorize BY Attah Mercy Uyo 08061616355.

monday, august 23, 2021

SPORTS latest

Lukaku scores and dominates on second Chelsea debut

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ree match highlights and report as £97.5m signing Romelu Lukaku scores and puts in man-of-thematch performance in Chelsea’s victory at the Emirates; Reece James scores other goal as Chelsea continue perfect start; Arsenal two defeats from two this season, without scoring.

Club-record signing Romelu Lukaku scored and put in a dominant display on his second Chelsea debut as they beat Arsenal 2-0 at the Emirates on Super yesterday.

Taye Taiwo and Oduamadi

Advert: news: Kano: lagos:

. . . putting the people first

Save the little children C

hatting with other Nigerians where we usually cool off the other the other day, we drifted to the topical issue – security.

Another set of students had just been stolen from a secondary school in Zamfara, northern Nigeria and herded into a thick forest, as if they were some wild beasts.

“The worst thing that can happen to any society is what is happening to us now: deny children the right to education and acquisition of skills,” a member of our group noted.

I have been a newspaper reporter in northern Nigeria since I graduated from Ibadan University in the late 70s. This has brought me in one contact or the other with some Islamic movements – some peaceful, some violent.

The Maitastine that made his debut in Kano in 1980 was very violent. The founder of the sect Mohammed Marwa instigated his followers by his uses of vile language and curse – laden speeches against the Nigerian state, which earned him the name ‘Maitatsine’, the one who damns. But he never sacked schools, took students as hostages and demanded ransom. From his jumbled, staccato interpretation of the Quoran, all he wanted was a return to Islam as practiced in the medieval years.

Akilu Haliru, then a Major and Commanding Officer of 146 battalion of the Nigerian army in Kano led his men to speedily bring down Maitasine once he was commanded to do so after the police failed to dislodge the Maitasine and his band of perverted murderers.

We the reporters on the beat loved his professionalism and courage at the time.

I was also dispatched to Maiduguri from Kaduna by my Editor, Abba Dabo of the New Nigerian in 1982 when Maitatsine staged another violent revolt in the Bulunkutu ward of the Borno State capital. That revolt also lasted a few days before it was put down. ASP Ayuba, a very gallant police officer was the major casualty here. I met his bereaved family who graciously gave me his picture, the only one that appeared in the media.

The group then moved on to Yola, the capital of Gongola

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State. Their leader there Musa Makaniki was a damn good mechanic who was personally known to me because he worked on my car so often.

But he had a problem because at his age about thirty years or so, he used to wet his bed every night. Because of this strange habit, he was mocked by his mates, his wives and those who knew him closely.

His decision to stage a violent insurrection in Yola in 1984 was a reaction to the mockery he was often subjected to.

By then I had joined the government of Bamanga Tukur which was dislodged by the coup that brought General Muhammed Buhari to power, January 1 1984. I lost my job as a result of that coup and also lost interest in Maitatsine riots which were exposing me to too much bloodshed that I believed was harmful to my spiritual growth. I never covered Maitatsine again even as they continued staging their bloody shows in the north.

There is a similarity between Maitatsine and the current wave of violent campaigns that started with Boko Haram in 2009. Both preach a return to medieval Islam with its cruel and barbaric punishment

“

of those who offend Islamic injunctions. This is very eerie.

Outside this, there is very little similarity. Maitastine riot wherever it occurred was a very local affair and government’s swift action was able to contain it. Boko Haram as the name suggests has a disdain for western civilization which is spread by western education.

They have an ambition which goes beyond their locale of operation. Nigeria should be split; northern Nigeria should go to Muslims where Sharia law will be practiced while southern Nigeria should go to Christians. They have access to and take advantage of modern weapons of war like arms and the media, which the Maitastine group never had.

In 2014 Boko Haram opened a new chapter in Nigeia’s terrorism history with the novel and spectacular kidnap of 276 school girls from Chibok government secondary school. The global outrage caused by that act – attracting protests from Michelle Obama in the White House - is what terrorist always crave for – publicity.

This was immediately realized and used since then

by Boko Haram and their

Akilu Haliru, then a Major and Commanding Officer of 146 battalion of the Nigerian army in Kano led his men to speedily bring down Maitasine once he was commanded to do so after the police failed to dislodge the Maitasine and his band of perverted murderers. We the reporters on the beat loved his professionalism and courage at the time.

fellow travelers as an avenue for extortion. Over 1000 students have been abducted and 600 schools closed in the north which already lags far behind the country in terms of education. Already one of five out of school children is from Nigeria. Evidently education is crumbling in Africa’s most populous nation worsening a deeper impairment, hollowing out Nigeria’s education system to create a “lost generation” of youth across much of the country.

The erosion of education for a generation of schoolchildren particularly in the north will reduce their abilities to earn a living and bring skills to the reconstruction of their communities. It will increase their risk of being radicalized amid the region’s conflicts.

As an Editor in Kano in the mid-eighties, I followed my Managing Director, Abba Dabo as one of the initiators of Kano Foundation, a nongovernmental organization whose one of the principal motives was to integrate western education into the Islamic one. This would have given the graduates of such schools the skills to face the realities of life in Nigeria.

Unfortunately for all the huge amounts that were raised at the launching and subsequently, nobody hears of Kano Foundation again.

The horde of almajeri untrained, unskilled, unemployed and unemployable youth - who move around menacingly around the major cities of the north and its vast landscape, remain the major security scare of the country. The government needs to do something immediately to save these children from themselves and also save us from their wrath.

DAN GAYE Dangai

Police arrest 17-year-old girl who stabs neighbour to death —News

Let her face justice!

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